
Falcons Defense Falters
December 16, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release
The Fresno Falcons entered this past weekend's games struggling to score goals but playing good, defensive hockey. After a 5-2 loss to the Bakersfield Condors on Friday and a 7-4 setback on Saturday against the San Diego Gulls, it is back to the drawing board on defense, as well.
Despite the somewhat lopsided scores, the Falcons were competitive in both hockey games. They fell behind 3-0 on Friday in the contest's first 10 minutes but battled back to within a goal before the first period ended. The deficit proved too much to overcome, though, and Fresno remained winless against the Condors at 0-6-1.
On Saturday at San Diego the situation was reversed. The Falcons took a 2-0 lead 4:29 into the game and led 3-2 after one. From there it was all Gulls as the Fresno penalty kill gave up a total of four power play goals and the team generated a total of just seven shots over the final two periods.
The two losses drop the club two games below .500 for the first time this season at 8-10-2. Their 18 points have them in fifth place in the WCHL, four points behind the fourth place Long Beach Ice Dogs.
GAMES TO KEEP OUT OF THE CELLAR
The Anchorage Aces visit Selland Arena tomorrow night, and Fresno must win to stay out of last place in the standings. Anchorage is just one point behind the Falcons, although they have played six more games. Tomorrow's tilt begins at 7 p.m. and is a Carl's Jr. Two-for-Tuesday. Fans can stop by participating Carl's Jr. Restaurants to pick-up a two-for-one coupon good for this last home game before the Christmas holiday.
This Friday and Saturday Fresno will turn its attention to catching the team just ahead of them in the standings when they make their first visit of the season to Long Beach Arena to battle the Ice Dogs. Both games can be heard live on 103.1 FM, The Mountain Cat, beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Mail Boxes, Etc. Pre-game Show.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
The Falcons will practice at Selland Arena tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Practice the rest of the week then shifts to Gateway Ice Center. Wednesday' s practice time is 11:45 a.m., and the team hits the ice at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday before heading to Long Beach.
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