Arizona Takes 1-0 Series Lead in Southern Conference Finals
April 14, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs, appearing in their first-ever Southern Conference Finals, opened the best-of-7 series against the Southeast Division Champion Laredo Bucks on Monday night at the Laredo Entertainment Center in Laredo, Texas. Monday night's contest marked the return of Tyler Redenbach to the Sundogs lineup after the former NHL third round pick was sent on loan by NHL parent club the Phoenix Coyotes to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League on Jan. 29. The Regina, Saskatchewan, native registered two assists in his return, helping his club to a 6-4 win and 1-0 series lead. Cory Urquhart extended his goal scoring streak to 17 games dating back to the regular season with a first period tally while CHL scoring champion Alex Leavitt extended his point streak to 24 games dating back to the regular season with an early assist.
Laredo found itself in a hole early on in the first period, taking two penalties less than a minute apart to give the Sundogs' top-rated power play a 5-on-3 opportunity. The Bucks however tallied a shorthanded goal to take an early 1-0 lead at the 4:34 mark as Paul Elliott beat Arizona goaltender Marco Emond for his first goal of the postseason. Andrew Desjardins and Adam Rivet assisted on the shorthanded marker. The Sundogs pulled even at 1-1 at 12:31 of the period as Jon Landry and Alex Leavitt skated in 2-on-1. Landry fed Leavitt before the CHL's leading scorer returned the puck to Landry who lifted a backhand effort over Bucks' netminder Dustin Traylen. Defenseman Chris Bartolone also collected an assist on the tying goal. The Sundogs took their first lead of the game just 13 seconds later as Cory Urquhart extended his goal scoring streak to 17 consecutive games dating back to the regular season with a wrist shot from inside the near circle. Bartolone and Landry secured their second points of the game with assists on the go ahead marker. Laredo answered back less than a minute later as James Hiebert registered his club's first power play goal of the night on passes from Jeff Bes and Serge Dube to tie the game at two goals apiece. With just over five minutes to play in the opening frame, Chris Bartolone regained a one-goal lead for Arizona, firing a rebound past Traylen for his second goal and 11th point of the playoffs. Tyler Redenbach took the initial shot and was credited with an assist in his CHL playoff debut. Shots were nearly even in the first period with Arizona holding an 11-10 advantage.
Laredo came out in the second period and tied the game at 3-3 just 21 seconds in as defenseman Igor Agarunov found the back of the net for the fourth time this postseason. Forward Alex Goupil helped on the play for his sixth assist of the playoffs. Agarunov grabbed his second of the game two-and-a-half minutes later, gathering a long through pass from David Walker before skating in alone on Emond to give his club a 4-3 lead. Elliott notched his first assist and second point of the game on Agarunov's second tally. In back-and-forth fashion, Arizona pulled even with its fourth of the night as Steve Rymsha pushed home a rebound for his third goal in seven playoff contests following a Mark Kolanos shot. Urquhart also helped on the play for his first assist and second point of the game. After 40 minutes of play, shots between the two clubs were tied 23 apiece.
The Sundogs waited until the third period to tally their first goal while on the man advantage. Bartolone notched his second goal and fourth point of the game 2:53 into the final frame to give his club a 5-4 lead. Rymsha registered his first assist and second point on the power play goal while Tyler Redenbach tallied his second helper of the contest. Just past the midway point, Rob Lehtinen found his way on to the score sheet on a setup pass from veteran defenseman partner Dan Laperriere to give his club a two-goal cushion, a lead they would never relinquish. Laredo outshot Arizona 13-6 in the final period but failed to capitalize.
Marco Emond appeared in net for Arizona and grabbed his first win of the playoffs, stopping 32 of 36 shots while Dustin Traylen suffered his first loss, blocking 23 of 29 shots. Both teams collected one power play goal as Arizona finished just 1-for-8 with the man advantage while the Bucks were 1-for-7.
Arizona now leads the best-of-7 series 1-0 with Game 2 slated for tomorrow night at 5:05pm (Arizona time). The Sundogs will be hosting a viewing party inside Tim's Toyota Center as the CHL Network broadcast will be simulcast on the arena's two videoboards. Doors open at 4:30pm and admission is just $5. Concession stands on the North concourse will be open and the Town of Prescott Valley will be holding a public skating session. For more information contact the Arizona Sundogs at (928) 772-5555. You can also catch the game live on 96.7 FM The Wolf, the Official Broadcast Home of the Arizona Sundogs.
Central Hockey League Stories from April 14, 2008
- Arizona Takes 1-0 Series Lead in Southern Conference Finals - Arizona Sundogs
- Bucks Fall In Game One 6-4: Trail Series 1-0 - Laredo Bucks
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- Franck And Richards Honored As Team MVP's - Youngstown SteelHounds
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