Chiefs Torment Trenton

Published on December 30, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


TRENTON, Nj. - The Johnstown Chiefs ended their nine-game losing streak with a rousing 2-1 win over the Trenton Devils at the Sun National Bank Center on Wednesday night.

Looking to gain the early advantage, the Chiefs wasted no time depositing a puck behind Devils goalie Dave Caruso. Off of a faceoff win, in his Chiefs debut this season, Tim Branham quickly whipped the puck toward the cage. Caruso made the initial save, but Justin McCutcheon was right on the doorstep to cash in his second goal in as many games. The Chiefs had a golden chance to extend the lead with a 1:09 5-on-3 power play, but a handful of sparkling saves by Caruso kept the Devils within one after the first.

In the second period the Chiefs were able to build a 2-0 advantage early, but with the teams exchanging "garbage goals" Johnstown's lead would be trimmed back to one before the second intermission. 3:06 into the frame Matthew Myers tried to center a puck out of the near corner, but the airborne puck didn't find its mark. It worked out for the best, though, as Myers' attempted pass banked off of a body in front and into the net for his second goal of the season. With Johnstown maintaining the two-goal lead nearing the end of the period the Devils caught a break. On a two-on-two rush Matt Vokes lost control of the puck as he tried to deke the Chiefs' defender. Goalie John Murray tried to reach out and cover the puck but before he could Jack Combs scooped it up and slid it into the cage with 59 seconds to go.

The Chiefs were able to draw a penalty with 14 seconds left to play in the second and had 1:46 carry over to the third. However, the offenses were held at bay by more stellar goaltending by Murray and Caruso. The Chiefs had two shorthanded breakaways on the same Devils power play midway through the third but neither Dan Collins nor Myers could find the back of the net. The Devils' best chance came on a 4-on-1 odd man rush, but Chris Zarb broke up the initial rush with a pokecheck and then Murray robbed Chris Poli on an attempted one timer.

Murray picked up his first victory of the season with a 31-save performance. On special teams the Chiefs went 0-for-5 on the power play and 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calenders! The Chiefs are back on home ice on Thursday, December 31 at 6:05 against the Elmira Jackals. The Chiefs will be hosting their traditional New Year's Eve contest with the early 6:05 start time. Good seats are still available including accommodations for groups of 15 or more. Groups are eligible for discounted tickets and preferred seating based on availability. Contact a group sales representative today by calling 814-539-1799. For individual tickets visit the War Memorial Box Office during business hours or order in advance through Ticketmaster via phone, 1-800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For everything Chiefs visit www.johnstownchiefs.com today!

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ECHL Stories from December 30, 2009


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