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Chiefs exorcise Devils

November 22, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Johnstown Chiefs knocked off the Trenton Devils 4-1 on Saturday night to pick up their sixth straight home victory.

The Chiefs improved to 12-4-0, and remain one point ahead of Wheeling for the top spot in the North Division.

For much of the opening frame, the teams fought to a stalemate. Both Johnstown and Trenton found themselves on 5-on-3 power plays, but in each case, neither team was able to find the twine.

Instead, goaltending and physical play dominated the first period. Johnstown netminder Kris Mayotte made a spectacular save point-blank with the right pad on a tic-tac-toe play late in the period. His counterpart, Charlie Effinger, denied Andrew Sarauer on a breakaway on the Chiefs' second power play, and later stopped a wrist shot from Petr Pohl on Johnstown's third power play.

Later, Trevor Hendrikx heavy hip check on Benoit Mondou seemed to tilt the momentum toward the Chiefs in the closing moments of the period.

With 30 seconds remaining in the first, Pohl bounced a shot off Effinger, and Mike Bartlett continued his hot weekend by burying the rebound for his third goal of the season and third point of the weekend.

Mayotte continued to shine in the first two minutes of the second as the Devils sent six shots his way. The Pittsburgh native stood tall as he turn aside each challenge and made 14 saves total in the middle frame.

But as the period went on, the Chiefs began to take control. The Chiefs tested Effinger and tested him often, registering 20 shots in the second session.

Nine minutes in, Sean Berkstresser took a pass in his own zone from David Schulz and went the length of the ice, beating the defense and Effinger on a wrap-around attempt to extend the lead to two. The tally was Berkstresser's first goal and point as a Chief.

The Chiefs came out of the second intermission strong. Codey Burki had an opportunity to ice the game on a 2-on-1 rush early in the third, but his backhand bounced off the crossbar, and the game remained at 2-0. But Burki would have another opportunity later in the period, and on a nearly identical 2-on-1, Burki stayed on the forehand and ripped a wrist shot by Effinger. It was Burki's first goal of the season, and it gave Johnstown a commanding three-goal lead.

From there, the only question was whether Mayotte could hold onto the shutout. But with 4:35 to play, David Leaderer ripped a shot off the faceoff through traffic and by the Chiefs netminder to end Mayotte's bid for his first shutout of the season.

Moments later, however, the Chiefs regained a three-goal lead when Alex Penner persisted through a scrum in front, and buried the second effort for his second goal of the season.

After a few more shots, the Chiefs had their 12th win of the season, and Mayotte had his eighth victory in nine games.

Mark your calendars, the Chiefs are back on home ice on Friday, November 28! It's Pennsylvania Lottery Giveaway Night at the UPMC Health Plan Ice Rink at the Cambria County War Memorial. Every fan over 18 years of age in attendance will receive a coupon for a Pennsylvania Lottery ticket. Great seats are still available, but going fast, and you can get yours today by calling 814-539-1799 or 1-800-SLAPSHOT.

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