Falcons Come from Behind to Take Game One in OT

April 12, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons entered the third period facing a 3-1 deficit, fought their way back to force overtime, and then took Game One of their best-of-seven Kelly Cup Playoffs first round series against the San Diego Gulls when John Wroblewski scored at 7:44 of the extra session to deliver a 4-3 victory at Save Mart Center in front of a crowd of 4,025.

San Diego darted out to a 2-0 lead with two power play goals late in the first period. Steve Hildenbrand's effort from the right circle banked in off the skates of Falcons defenseman Dustin VanBallegooie to open the scoring at 17:23 before Cody McLeod banged home a rebound out of a scramble in front with under 15 seconds remaining in the opening frame.

The Falcons cut the gap in half with a power play goal of their own at 14:34 of the second when VanBallegooie beat San Diego goaltender Tyler Weiman with a backhand that he snuck five-hole. But some undisciplined play while already on the penalty kill set-up the Gulls on a lengthy five-on-three late in the middle period. Alex Kim drew Fresno goaltender Jamie Holden out to cut down an angle with a fake shot and instead fed Hildenbrand back door at 18:24 to restore the visitors' two-goal advantage heading to the third.

The Falcons quickly erased the 3-1 deficit with an outstanding effort right out of the intermission. Two seconds after a Fresno power play expired, Pete Fregoe dumped in a rebound at 3:50. Vince Macri then walked down the slot and beat Weiman to the glove side, tying the game before the period was barely five minutes old. The Falcons out-shot the Gulls 19-7 in the third, but still needed overtime to decide the outcome.

Again Fresno took the play right to San Diego. Although the Gulls skated on a power play in the extra session, the Falcons had a 10-2 edge in shots during OT and a 53-30 shot margin for the game. Kelsey Muench and Rob McFeeters helped win a puck through the left circle for Wroblewski, who rifled a wrist shot past Weiman for the game-winner and his first career playoff goal at 7:44.

The win gives the Falcons a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, which continues tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. with Game Two at Save Mart Center. Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets and Save Mart Center's box office with prices ranging from $10 - $25. For complete playoff ticket information, please visit www.fresnofalcons.com or contact the Falcons front office directly at (559) 485-PUCK (7825).



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