Chiefs stumble

February 28, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


ESTERO, Fl. - The Johnstown Chiefs sustained a three-game losing streak for only the second time all season on Saturday night when the Florida Everblades knocked them off by a score of 4-1

Johnstown's record dropped to 31-22-3, and with Cincinnati defeating Elmira in Cincinnati the Chiefs fell four points out of first place in the North Division.

Johnstown found itself in penalty trouble throughout much of the first period which allowed Florida to dictate the pace of the play. A power play goal by Kevin Baker at 3:40 and an even strength goal by Patrick Bordeleau at 14:17 put Florida out to a 2-0 advantage through one period. It could have been much worse if not for some stellar goaltending by Kyle Gajewski in a penalty killing effort. Sean Berkstresser was whistled for a delay of game penalty at 9:10 and Petr Pohl took an unsportsmanlike minor at the same time. Greg Gallagher was escorted off for a high-sticking minor 33 seconds later which left Johnstown shorthanded for four straight minutes. But Gajewski, and his penalty killers, kept Florida off the board in that situation.

While the first period produced a good number of scoring opportunities for both teams, the offense ground to a near halt in the second. That allowed for Florida to maintain its 2-0 lead through 40 minutes of play. The Chiefs did a better job of staying out of the box in the second period where they were only whistled twice, and they drew two power plays as well. The downside of that was that Johnstown couldn't convert with the man advantage mostly due to numerous blocked shots by the Everblades. Todd Griffith did have a breakaway near the mid-point of the period, but David Leggio made the glove save.

Florida made Johnstown's comeback trail in the third period a bit longer than need be when Peter Metcalf made it a 3-0 lead 3:13 into the frame. Kyle Bushee got Johnstown back within two when he scored his fourth goal of the season on the power play at 4:53. Ryan Del Monte helped the cause with a great screen in front while Andrew Sarauer earned an assist to extend his point streak to 10 games. Sarauer had a chance to get the Chiefs within one when he had a penalty shot awarded at 7:37, but Leggio made a glove save. Ross Carlson put the game out of reach at 11:12 with an even strength goal.

Gajewski sustained his first loss as a Chief, but made 36 saves on the 40 shots he face. Johnstown's power play ended the game 1-for-7.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs are back on home ice on Wednesday, March 4 when they host the Wheeling Nailers. The Chiefs will also be holding their second annual "Pups and Pucks" night where fans can bring their dogs to the War Memorial and enjoy the game from the special dog section. Good seats are available, but going quickly! Act fast and be sure to get your seat by calling 814-539-1799 or 814-536-5156.



ECHL Stories from February 28, 2009


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