Blaze Win Third Straight at Home
December 9, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release
BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, broke open a tie game with two late goals to win their third straight game at U.S. Cellular Coliseum, 3-1 over the Fort Wayne Komets on Friday night.
The Blaze broke open the scoring with the only first period goal, a power play tally with 10:03 left in the first period when Luke Popko pushed in a wraparound goal. Mark Znutas and Aaron Dawson earned the assists.
The Komets equaled the contest with 9:35 left in the second period when Jean-Michel Rizk buried a centering pass from Stephon Thorne, sending the game to the second intermission tied 1-1.
The Blaze broke open the game late in the third period with two quick goals. Vladimir Nikiforov continued his torrid offense with his sixth goal on a perfect pass from Jon Booras at the top of the crease, with Ryan Palmer receiving the other assist with 5:16 remaining in the final period. Booras then scored on a breakaway just 27 seconds later, tallying his team-leading seventh goal assisted by Craig Cescon and Nikiforov.
Bloomington outshot the Komets 43-36, as Blaze goalie Zane Kalemba took his third win with 35 saves. The Blaze won their third straight home game, and stopped a six-game Komets win streak.
The Blaze host the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. It's the annual Teddy Bear Toss, when fans are asked to bring new stuffed animals to toss onto the ice after the first Blaze goal to donate to the McLean County Toys for Tots. Tickets and more information are available by calling the Blaze office at 309-434-2980.
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