Chiefs Done In By Devils' Power Play

Published on March 24, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


TRENTON, Nj. - The Johnstown Chiefs could not contain the Trenton Devils' power play and surrendered a third-period lead in falling 4-3 on Wednesday evening at the Sun National Bank Center.

In his return to the Chiefs' line up after a three-game absence, Kris Mayotte looked dialed in during the first period. The Devils tested him with 15 shots but the Pittsburgh native stood tall in the cage and turned aside each shot he faced. On the other end of the ice the Chiefs were able to feed one puck behind Devils goalie Jeff Lerg. However, Connor Shields' shot from the left wing late in the first clanged off of the cross bar and the game remained scoreless. In the final minute of the period Jim McKenzie was able to draw a hooking minor on Trenton's Jeff Prough which stopped a Devils power play 49 seconds in and gave the Chiefs some power play time to start the second.

Johnstown couldn't cash in on that power play to start the second and Trenton was able to regain momentum from the kill. The Devils peppered Mayotte with another 14 shots in the second period and were able to squeeze a pair through. Chanse Fitzpatrick answered for the black and gold, though, and kept the Chiefs within striking distance. Chris Poli used a drop pass on the door step to set Ryan Ginand up with an open net to shoot for. Ginand didn't miss and gave the Devils the leg up at 6:10. Fitzpatrick hardly wasted any time in responding as he dunked in a rebound of a Shields shot at 8:51. It was Fitzpatrick's 28th of the season, and first since March 12. The Chiefs wouldn't be able to take the lead, though, because Jack Combs twisted home a bouncing puck at 15:53 with the Devils on the power play.

The Chiefs made it look for all the world like they were set to pull off their first third period comeback of the season. On an early power play Sean Berkstresser slammed home his 20th goal of the season just 2:54 in and tied the game at two. Jim McKenzie picked up the primary assist by hitting Berkstresser on the back door. Another gorgeous pass by McKenzie sent Bear Trapp in on a breakaway just moments later. Trapp's first goal as a Chief came with 4:45 gone by and gave the Chiefs their first lead of the night. Trenton's offense wouldn't go away quietly, though, and picked up a pair just minutes apart. Dave Leaderer scored on a tricky backhand from low on the left wing at 6:48 to tie it and then Prough pounced on a loose disk to score with Trenton on the power play. The eventual game winner was cashed in at the 8:39 mark.

Mayotte sustained the loss while making 38 saves. The Chiefs power play went 1-for-3 while the penalty kill was 2-for-5.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs return to home ice on Friday, March 26 against the Toledo Walleye at 7:05. The Chiefs will be wearing special U.S. Marines themed jerseys for one night only. There will be a silent auction during the game and the winning bidders will get to take home the game-worn jerseys! Don't forget about the Chiefs' great discounts on tickets for groups of 10 or more. Call 814-539-1799 for more information. Good seats still remain and for individual tickets, go to ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.

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ECHL Stories from March 24, 2010


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