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Evansville goes up early, defeat Gems 3-1

March 18, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Dayton Gems News Release


DAYTON, OH - The Gems came into Friday's game against Evansville riding a two game winning streak - including a 2-1 victory over the IceMen Thursday night. Dayton looked to stretch their winning streak to three games in pursuit of improving their playoff standing with one week left to play in the regular season.

Unfortunately, the Gems came up short and were defeated 3-1.

The first period was one marked by great play by both goalies. Dayton's goalie Nick Niedert - who played for the first time this season - rose to the occasion. Niedert stopped all 12 Evansville shots in the first period. Not to be out done, Evansville goalie Matt Lundin stopped all 10 Gems shots in the first period. At the end of one period the game remained squared at 0-0.

The second period started off quickly for the IceMen. At the 18:18 mark, Evansville took a 1-0 lead over Dayton on Brian Bicek's 24th goal on the season. Bicek was assisted by Nick Schneider and former Gem Erik Boisvert.

The rest of the second period went much like the first. Niedert stopped 13 of the 14 shots in the period. Dayton had nine shots on goal in the period but could not find the back of the net. At the end of two periods, Evansville led Dayton 1-0.

The first part of the third period went much like the first and the end of second, a defensive battle. This continued until the 8:58 mark when Brett Lutes tied the game at 1-1. Brandon Naurato and Tim Hartung were credited with assists on the goal.

The tie did not last long. Evansville retook the lead when Mario Laroque put home his 15th goal on the season a short while later and gave Evansville a 2-1 lead.

Jeff Christian put home an empty netter for the IceMen with 38 seconds left in the game to put Evansville ahead for good. Christian's goal put the IceMen ahead 3-1.

Niedert was a bright spot for the Gems, stopped 37 out of the 39 shots in his first start for the Gems.

The Gems will next travel to Quad City Saturday night for a crucial matchup in terms of playoff seeding. With both teams having clinched playoff berths they will both be looking to improve their playoff positions, the game is scheduled for 8:35 p.m.

The Kettering Medical Center is proud to be the official title sponsor of the Gems for the 2010-11 season.

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