Falcons Cruise Past Aces to Clinch Playoff Spot

Published on March 18, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons clinched a spot in the 2007 Kelly Cup Playoffs with a 5-1 win over the Alaska Aces in front of 5,230 fans on Sunday at Save Mart Center.

Luke Curtin returned to the Falcons' line-up after missing the previous two games with an injury, and gave the Falcons an early lead 6:09 into the contest as his shot from the corner deflected off of Alaska goaltender Derek Gustafson and into the net. The goal gave Curtin 20 goals on the season, the seventh time in his nine-year professional career that Curtin has reached the 20-goal plateau.

Fresno's power-play went to work late in the opening period to give the Falcons a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. John Morlang moved the puck to Cory Murphy in the high slot, and he blasted a shot past Gustafson for his 11th goal of the year.

The Falcons' penalty-kill unit had a big opening period as well, killing off all four Alaska power-play opportunities in the first 20 minutes.

Fresno held its 2-0 lead until the 5:14 mark of the final period when Jason Tejchma redirected a P.O. Beaulieu pass past Gustafson for his second goal in as many nights.

Morlang finished off a pretty 2-on-1 rush with Rob McFeeters at 10:03, tucking home a shot on the near post, extending the Falcons lead to 4-0.

Fresno's power-play gave the Falcons a 5-0 lead at 13:07 as Beaulieu blasted a shot past Gustafson from the left point.

Alaska spoiled Ryan MacDonald's shutout bid just 25 seconds after Beaulieu's goal as Matt Robinson slid a shot home from the hash marks.

MacDonald made 22 saves to record his 16th game of the season.

Fresno finished the night 2-for-8 on the power play while killing off all eight Aces man-advantage opportunities.

The Falcons' four-game home stand concludes on Tuesday with a 7:00 p.m. face-off against the Long Beach Ice Dogs. It's another Two-for-Tuesday, presented by Carl's Jr., KMPH Fox 26, and KRZR 103.7 FM. Fans can stop by any local Carl's Jr. and pick up a voucher allowing them to purchase one ticket at regular price and get a second ticket for free. The Falcons also are holding Fire and Ice Night with the Fresno Fuego, welcoming Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and Freddy Adu, to Fresno. Tuesday is also College Night with FREE tickets for any college student showing a valid student ID at the Save Mart Center Box Office.

Tickets for all Falcons home games can be purchased at the Save Mart Center Box Office, by phone at (559) 485-8497, on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, or at any TicketMaster outlet. All Falcons' games air on 1550 and 96.1 Sporting News Radio starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show 15 minutes prior to face off.

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ECHL Stories from March 18, 2007


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