2-1 Overtime Win Propels Falcons to 3-0 Series Lead

April 15, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


SAN DIEGO - Kelsey Muench scored the game-tying goal with 54 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime before Derek Krestanovich re-directed home the game-winner 5:11 into the extra session as the Fresno Falcons defeated the San Diego Gulls 2-1 at ipayOne Center to take a 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven first round playoff series.

Despite a combined 13 power play opportunities through the first 40 minutes, the teams were still scoreless with only 23 shots on goal between them heading to the third period. Fresno goaltender Jamie Holden was perfect on only 10 shots against, while San Diego netminder Tyler Weiman stopped all 14 shots he saw through two periods, running his shutout streak against the Falcons to four consecutive periods of play dating back to Game Two of the series.

The game remained 0-0 well into the third period, as well. At 16:30, Fresno's Pete Fregoe took a delay of game penalty in his own zone when he misfired on a clearing attempt that sailed over the glass into the stands. Having gone 0 for their first 9 chances on the man advantage, San Diego finally broke through. Pierre-Luc Sleigher picked up a dump-in that caromed out of the left wing corner right into the slot and proceeded to beat Holden five-hole at 18:08.

It took the Falcons less than a minute to re-tie the game after head coach Matt Thomas pulled Holden in favor of an extra attacker. John Wroblewski took a drop pass from Fraser Clair up the right wing and found himself all alone through the circle. He waited until Weiman committed to stopping a possible shot and instead dished the puck to Muench at the far post for a wide-open, game-tying finish at 19:06.

In overtime, the Gulls' Kelly Askew hooked down Fresno's Dustin VanBallegooie in the offensive zone. The Falcons finally scored a power play goal on their 11th chance of the game when VanBallegooie's shot from the right point was deflected in off the inside of the left post by Krestanovich at 5:11 for the game-winner. The overtime victory was the Falcons' second OT triumph of the series after overcoming a 3-1 third period deficit in Game One. Wroblewski won that opening contest for Fresno, 4-3, with his first career playoff goal at 7:44 of the extra session.

The Falcons go for the series sweep in Game Four tomorrow at ipayOne Center at 7:05 p.m. The game can be heard live on 1550 Sporting News Radio beginning with the FutureTek Pre-game Show at 6:45 p.m. Or, fans may view the game online courtesy of B2 Networks, which can be accessed via the Falcons home page at www.fresnofalcons.com.

If the Gulls win tomorrow to extend the series, Game Five would be played in San Diego on Monday, Apr. 17. If necessary, Games Six and Seven would take place back in Fresno at Save Mart Center on Apr. 20 and 22.



ECHL Stories from April 15, 2006


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