Another Memphis special

by Mike Wallin
Published on April 8, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)

Don "The King" Parsons and his fellow RiverKings accomplished what they set out to when the Northern Conference Finals began - win the first two games on home ice before heading to Indianapolis. Parsons, the Central Hockey League's Most Valuable Player, led the RiverKings to a 3-1 win over Indianapolis in Game Two of the best-of-seven series.

Once again it was the special teams that made the difference for Memphis. Two more post-season powerplay goals were enough for the reigning CHL champs to take a commanding two games to none lead in the series. Through seven playoff games, Memphis has an unbelievable 26.3% conversion rate on the man-advantage, scoring 14 goals on 53 attempts.

"Again, it was the special teams that was the factor in the game," said Ice Head Coach Ken McRae. "We need to answer back on Thursday, this series is not over."

Indy cracked the scoreboard first as Kevin St. Jacques (5) beat Mark Richards with a top shelf shot 15:12 into the first period. Parsons (7) tied up the game at 18:43 while two Ice skaters sat in the penalty box. The goal was Parsons fifth powerplay score of the playoffs and swung the momentum towards the RiverKings.

The lone score of the second period came quickly, Brian Tucker (3) converted yet another Memphis man-advantage at the 1:51 mark. After forty minutes of play, the RiverKings held a 2-1 lead.

Robb Palahnuk (2) capped off the night with an empty net goal while just :40 remained in the contest. The third period was wild and crazy, however Memphis kept the Ice at bay with their tenacious defense. Midway through the final period, the RiverKing penalty kill denied two consecutive Ice man-advantages. Throughout the playoffs, Memphis has a solid 85.7% penalty kill. The RiverKings have killed off 48 of 56 man-advantages.

Indianapolis by comparison, has struggled with the penalty kill throughout the post-season. Indy has allowed 11 goals in 35 powerplay attempts, a disasterous .686% penalty kill rate. The Ice powerplay has converted seven of 38 man-advantages, a 18.4% clip. Problem is, the power-play has not converted when it has been needed most.

"Our powerplay isn't getting the chances right now. Theirs is and they are converting," said Bernie John. "We seem to be playing better five on five, but the special teams must improve."

Veteran netminder stopped 20 of 21 Indianapolis shots to record improve his 2003 post-season record to 5-1. Indy's Shawn Silver turned away 22 shots while dropping his playoff record to 1-3 with a dismal 4.37 goals against average and a save percentage of .853%.

The series shifts to Indianapolis on Thursday night for Game Three and Saturday for Game Four. Should a Game Five be needed it would be played Sunday at Indianapolis.

Central Hockey League Stories from April 8, 2003

• Another Memphis special - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
• Southern Conference Finals, Game Three: Austin Ice Bats vs. Laredo Bucks - Laredo Bucks

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