Controversial Goal Leads to Sundogs' Third Straight Overtime Loss
February 27, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - A controversial goal resulted in the Arizona Sundogs' third straight overtime loss Sunday afternoon at Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas as the Laredo Bucks pulled to within two points of Arizona and the Berry Conference's eighth and final playoff spot with a 6-5 win.
Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel was credited with the game-winner 2:35 into the extra frame on a backhand shot that the Sundogs vehemently claimed never crossed the goal line, so much so that the entire team remained on the bench despite Laredo leaving the ice while referee Geoff Miller discussed the play with linesmen Kai Magnussen and Terrance Saunders.
Separated by just three points coming into the contest, Arizona maintains a two-point cushion over Laredo for the final playoff spot with 12 games remaining in the 2010-11 regular season.
The Sundogs have needed overtime in four of their last five games, going 0-1-4 in that span, and are winless in their last 12 road games (0-7-5).
Making his first start in net for Arizona since February 12, Doug Groenestege finished with 28 saves on 34 shots.
Kyle Hood extended his scoring streak with a goal and an assist in the loss and now has three goals and six assists in his last five games.
Mark Kolanos collected his second goal in three games since returning from injured reserve less than a minute into the contest to give Arizona an early 1-0 lead but goals by Brian Matte, Reid Edmondson and Neil Trimm backed Laredo to 3-2 advantage after 20 minutes of play.
Rookie Patrick Schafer also tallied in the first period for Arizona.
The Sundogs outscored the Bucks, 2-1, in the middle frame, knotting the score at four heading into the third period.
Trimm stretched his club's lead to two four and a half minutes into the second period but goals by Hood and Jamie VanderVeeken just 22 seconds apart pulled Arizona even.
Karl Sellan reclaimed a one-goal lead for Arizona - its first since early on in the contest - midway through the third period but Keegan Dansereau responded less than three minutes later to tie the score at five.
Cam Keith (3/g4a) and Luke Erickson (3g/2a) each tallied an assist in the loss, extending their respective scoring streaks to four games.
The Sundogs finished 1-for-6 with the man advantage while the Bucks converted twice on five power play opportunities.
Arizona (19-26-9) returns to Tim's Toyota Center for three straight games against the Mississippi RiverKings (24-25-5) - the first-ever meetings between the two franchises - beginning Wednesday at 7:05pm. Tickets start at just $12 and are available by phone at 1-866-4-GET-TIX (1-866-443-8849), online at www.GetTix.net and in person at the Tim's Toyota Center Box Office.
Central Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2011
- Mallards Rally, Edge Evansville 2-1 - Quad City Mallards
- Controversial Goal Leads to Sundogs' Third Straight Overtime Loss - Arizona Sundogs
- Bucks Muzzle Sundogs in Overtime - Laredo Bucks
- Dayton Wins Big Over Fort Wayne with 8-0 Victory - Dayton Gems
- Texas Closes February with 4-1 Loss - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Bucks Look to Gain on 'Dogs Today - Laredo Bucks
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