Express Complete Three Goal Comeback to Defeat Wings 4-3
February 24, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Chicago Express News Release
Kalamazoo, MI - The Chicago Express, proud member of the ECHL and proud affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, erased a 3-0 first period deficit to defeat Kalamazoo 4-3 at Wings Stadium on Friday night.
Power plays doomed the Express in the first period, as the Wings scored on all three of their power play chances. It began with a 5-on-3 goal from C Kory Karlander, as he one-timed a shot from the top of the slot to put the Wings up 1-0 at 12:23. The lead was increased to 2-0 less than two minutes later, as F Nick Sirota finished off a rebound in front of the Chicago net. D Taylor Ellington wrapped up the first period scoring for Kalamazoo, as he struck with a one-timer from the high slot with just 36 seconds left in the frame, helping the Wings to a 3-0 lead after the first period.
F Pierre-Luc Faubert got the scoring started in the second period, as he picked up a rebound off the end wall and lifted it over G Maxime Clermont at 7:03 of the second stanza, putting the Express on the board for a 3-1 score. Chicago cut the Kalamazoo lead in half 3:05 later, as D Jonathan Zion picked off a pass in the neutral zone and finished off a great bit of stickhandling by snapping a shot into the top left corner to bring the Express to within one. D Scott Wietecha netted the third straight Chicago goal of the period, winding up a slapshot from the top of the slot and blasting it home with 2:46 remaining in the period. Chicago outshot Kalamazoo 15-10 in the middle frame.
An early third period power play gave the Express a chance to take a third, and they were able to take advantage. A mad scramble in front of the Kalamazoo let to Zion finding the loss puck and slipping it just over the goal line to put Chicago ahead 4-3. The Express clamped down defensively following the goal, as they held on to defeat Kalamazoo 4-3. G Peter Mannino stopped 37 of the 40 Kalamazoo shots he faced in the game.
Power plays: CHI: 2/5; KAL: 3/6
Three stars: 1. J. Zion (CHI); 2. M. Gratchev (CHI); 3. K. Karlander (KAL)
Notes:
G Peter Mannino started his 18th straight game for the Express. He saved 37 of the 40 shots he faced... F Anthony Maiani celebrated his 23rd birthday today... RW Tyler Donati increased his assist streak to five games, now with 10 assists and 11 points... Donati earned his 150th ECHL assist in the game... D Jonathan Zion scored his 50th North American Professional goal in the third period, which turned out to be the game winning goal.
Chicago is back at the Sears Centre Arena to take on the Florida Everblades tomorrow and Sunday. Tomorrow is AthletiCo Night at the Sears Centre, and Sunday features a free post-game skate with the team.
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