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Falcons Clinch Playoff Spot with OT Win in Utah

March 5, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


West Valley City, Utah - P.O. Beaulieu scored with 1:25 remaining in overtime to lift the Fresno Falcons to a 4-3 win over the Utah Grizzlies on Wednesday in front of 2,801 fans at The E Center. With the win, the Falcons clinch a berth in the 2008 Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Fresno took a 1-0 lead 2:16 into the first period on Matt Quinn's eighth goal of the season. Quinn gathered in an outlet pass from Joe Van Culin and skated into the right-wing circle of the Utah zone where he snapped a shot past goaltender Mike Mole.

Utah tied the game with a power-play goal at 11:15. Jeff Dwyer moved the puck to Evan Kotsopoulos in the right-wing circle, and he beat Kris Mayotte with a shot high to the short side for his sixth of the year.

The Falcons regained the lead just 1:52 into the second period. After Mayotte made the save of a Utah shot, Joe Van Culin hit Josh Prudden skating behind the Grizzlies' defense. Prudden made a move on Mole and tucked a shot home on the near post for a goal in his first game in a Falcons' sweater since December 22, 2006.

But, Utah came right back to tie the game just 13 seconds later. Ryan Kinasewich set up Scott Burt at the edge of the Fresno crease, and he tipped a shot past Mayotte tying the score at 2.

Burt added his second of the night, again off a set-up from Kinasewich, at 7:52 to give Utah a 3-2 lead.

Quinn answered at 15:36 to knot the score at 3 after 40 minutes of play. Quinn took a shot from the top of the left-wing circle which handcuffed Mole, and rolled through the five hole for his second of the night.

In the extra session, Kenny Bernard fed Beaulieu skating down the left-wing side, and the Falcons' defenseman blasted a shot past Mole for his 13th goal of the season.

The Falcons and Grizzlies continue three-game series on Friday at 6:05 PST. Catch all of the action on 790 ESPN Radio, The Deuce, starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show at 5:50.

Fresno returns home on Tuesday, March 11, hosting the Idaho Steelheads at 7:00 p.m. It's Kids' Day at the Rink, presented by The Fresno Bee, ABC 30, Little Caesar's, and Educational Employees Credit Union. The first 1,000 kids 12 and younger in attendance receive a free growth chart. Falcons' players will be wearing special kids' day jerseys, which will be auctioned off following the game to benefit Children's Hospital of Central California. It's also a Two-for-Tuesday, presented by Carl's Jr., KMPH Fox 26, and KRZR 103.7 FM. Fans can visit any area Carl's Jr., and pick up a voucher allowing them to purchase one ticket at regular price and get a second ticket for free.

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 March 5, 2008


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