Epic Comeback Nets Heat 6-3 Win

January 16, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - The Abbotsford HEAT scored six unanswered goals, including four in a span of 3:43 in the third period`, to defeat the Lake Erie Monsters 6-3 in American Hockey League play at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre Saturday afternoon.

The Monsters jumped out a 3-0 first-period lead on the strength of goals by T.J Hensick, Mike Bartlett and Matthew Ford.

However the HEAT scored two goals in the second and four more in the third on their way the win.

"It's great," said HEAT forward Cam Cunning of the come-from-behind win. "It's really good for this team to show that we can come back."

The Monsters' three-first period goals chased HEAT starting goaltender Matt Keetley. He was replaced by Leland Irving, who did not allow a goal.

The HEAT lost to the Monsters 3-2 on Friday.

HEAT coach Jim Playfair was also impressed with his ranks coming back from a three-goal deficit.

"I think we played well in the first and I think our players battled back and played through adversity," said Playfair. "I think what this reveals is the type of team we have and the way we have to play."

The HEAT blazed their way back into the game with two second-period goals. John Negrin's hard point shot beat Lake Erie goaltender Billy Sauer and then J.D. Watt tapped in a beautiful cross-crease pass from Riley Armstrong. The Heat trailed by just a single goal heading to the final frame.

The HEAT came out on fire in the third and their hard work finally paid off when Keith Aulie's point shot was deflected past Sauer by Jason Jaffray at the seven minute mark of third period, to even the score at 3-3. It was Jaffray's team-leading 16th goal of the season.

Staffan Kronwall then skated in from his point position and fired a slap pass at the Monster goal. The shot was tipped in front by Mikael Backlund to give the HEAT its first lead of the game, 4-3.

Cunning lifted the HEAT to a 5-3 advantage when his hard shot from inside the faceoff circle beat Sauer. Defenseman Keith Seabrook scored his seventh goal of the season when his high wrist shot from the top of the slot found the back of the Lake Erie net to round out the scoring.

"They did a real good job of getting pucks and bodies to the net," said Lake Erie coach David Quinn. "Every time they fired something to the net, it went in."

The HEAT outshot the Monsters 19-2 in the third period and 50-23 overall. The Heat are now 3-2-1, six games through their eight game home stand.

The HEAT will face the Minnesota Wild affiliate, the Houston Aeros this coming Friday night (7:30 p.m.) and again Saturday afternoon (4 p.m.) at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre.



American Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2010


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