Eizenman Again Leads Falcons to Win

January 4, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Las Vegas, Nevada - The Fresno Falcons had their three-goal third period lead evaporate, but came back to defeat the Las Vegas Wranglers 5-4 in overtime on Friday in front of 4,606 fans at Orleans Arena.

The Wranglers got on the board first midway through the first period. Kelly Czuy gathered in a pass from Aki Seitsonen and raced into the Fresno zone, made a move on goaltender Jake Moreland, and tucked a shot home on the far post to give Las Vegas a 1-0 lead at 9:29.

Fresno tied the game a little over than four minutes later. Eizenman won a face-off in his own zone, and found Kenny Bernard wide open in the neutral zone. Bernard caught up to Eizenman's pass just inside the Las Vegas zone, and snapped a shot past goaltender Kevin Lalande at 13:40 for his third goal of the season.

The Falcons took the lead with a 5-on-3 power-play goal early in the second period. Jarrett Konkle's shot was knocked down in front, but the puck caromed to Eizenman in the left-wing circle, and he pushed it into an open net for his team-leading 18th goal of the season at 3:20.

Joe Van Culin gave the Falcons a two-goal cushion with his second goal of the season just 1:20 into the final period. Peter Ferraro's clearing attempt was intercepted by Tyler Kindle, who had his shot tipped into the net by Van Culin, who recorded his first goal since October 23.

The Falcons added their fourth straight goal at 11:41 to extend the lead to 4-1. Konkle fed P.O. Beaulieu in the near corner, and he skated in front where his initial shot was stopped by Lalande, but he was able to poke the rebound home for his sixth goal of the season, setting a new single-season career high.

Las Vegas pulled within one with just over five minutes remaining getting goals from Jason Krischik and Josh Sciba just 46 seconds apart.

The Wranglers went on the power play with 20.1 seconds remaining, and pulled Lalande making it a two-man advantage. Chris Ferraro won a face-off in his own zone for Adam Cracknell, and he was able to dribble a shot past Moreland to force overtime.

In the extra session, Van Culin centered for Eizenman in the high slot, and he beat Lalande over the glove with a wrist shot for his second of the night, giving him three straight three-point games, and four in the last five.

Fresno and Las Vegas play the second game of their three-game series on Saturday, with face-off set for 7:05 p.m. Catch all of the action on 790 ESPN Radio, The Deuce, starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show at 6:45.

The Falcons return to home ice on Friday, January 11, hosting the Phoenix RoadRunners at 7:30 p.m. The first 3,000 fans in attendance receive a Falcons' t-shirt, courtesy of Visalia Ceramic and Tile and 104.1 FM.

Tickets for all Falcons' home games can be purchased at the Save Mart Center Box Office, or through TicketMaster at (559) 485-TIXS or www.ticketmaster.com. All Falcons games air on 790 ESPN Radio, The Deuce, starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show 15 minutes prior to face off.



ECHL Stories from January 4, 2008


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