Bombers struggle with Elmira in 3-1 loss, still clinch playoffs

March 30, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Dayton Bombers News Release


Dayton, OH- Looking to avenge Saturday night's though 7-2 loss at the hands of the Elmira Jackals, the defending American Conference Champion Dayton Bombers battled to a slightly better result, falling 3-1 to the Jackals on Sunday afternoon in front of 3,291 at the Nutter Center. Despite the loss, Dayton clinched the fifth and final playoff spot in the North Division through a Trenton Devil loss at the hands of the Johnstown Chiefs.

With the memory of Saturday night's 7-2 defeat fresh in head coach Bill McDonald's mind, the first period began in a much better way for his Bombers, as they quickly matched tempo with the Jackals. Elmira had other plans however, as Matt Johnson capitalized on a Bombers miscue with a wrist-shot between Rejean Beauchemin's legs to take an early 1-0 lead. Despite several quality chances and a power play, Dayton would be unable to score, heading into the dressing room after twenty minutes trailing 1-0. Elmira also led in first period shots on goal 12-6.

Elmira began the second period with a goal by recently acquired Elgin Reid just 1:04 in. The goal, Reid's first as a Jackal, was assisted by Chaz Johnson and put Elmira ahead 2-0. The Bombers struggles continued, as a bad bounce caused an odd-man rush against Beauchemin, ultimately resulting in Elmira's third goal of the night by Pierre-Luc Faubert at 3:28. Dayton would find their stride a few minutes later at the 5:11 mark thanks to the hard work of Brad Bonello, who sent home his team-leading 17th goal of the season with Mike Berry and Ryan Smyth picking up the assists. Elmira led 3-1 after forty minutes as well as again out shooting Dayton 15-9 for a two-period total of 27-15.

Despite a bevy of power play chances, Dayton would be unable to climb back from Elmira's deficit in the third. Rejean Beauchemin remained solid in net for the Bombers, denying all 7 Jackals shots in the period to keep Elmira from doing further damage. With the 3-1 win, Elmira completes a weekend sweep inside the Nutter Center and improves their record to 40-22-3-4.

Dayton's record now stands at 28-30-5-6 for 67 but with a little help from the Johnstown Chiefs in their 5-0 win over Trenton on Sunday, the Bombers have clinched the fifth and final playoff spot in the North Division.

The Bombers return to action on Tuesday night at 7pm to host rival Cincinnati Cyclones for one final time before the postseason. Tickets are still available by calling the Bombers at 775-4747, and fans can tune into the game's broadcast online at echl.com and daytonbombers.com, and can watch the live telecast at b2livetv.com with Bombers broadcaster JT Szabo on the call.



ECHL Stories from March 30, 2008


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