Falcons Double Up Steelheads in Playoff Preview
Published on April 3, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release
FRESNO, Calif. â In a preview of their upcoming first round playoff match-up, the Fresno Falcons defeated the Idaho Steelheads on Wednesday at Selland Arena, 4-2, behind a pair of goals from Kris Porter and four assists from Glen Gulutzan.
Idaho struck first with a power play goal from Petr Suchanek at 9:18 of the opening frame. Porter answered less than a minute later for the Falcons with his first of the evening when he dumped a rebound in the back of the net, and the teams remained tied at one heading to the second.
The second period was characterized by each team trading minor penalties as they combined for eight power plays in the frame. Mid-way through Cory Murphy hopped off the Falcons bench and skated on to a loose puck just inside the blue-line before ripping a slapshot past Idaho goaltender Blair Allison for his 17th goal of the season, a new career high. The goal was a short-handed tally coming at 12:20, and Fresno led 2-1 after two.
Porter picked up his second of the evening and 33rd of the year by finishing off a two-on-one with Gulutzan 1:58 into the third for the eventual game-winner. Mid-way through the final period Gulutzan and Porter combined to find Rob Bonneau for a power play goal, giving Fresno a three-goal cushion, 4-1. Idaho's Ben Keup scored in the final two minutes to make it a 4-2 final.
The Falcons pick up their third victory in four games and move to 34-28-8 with 76 points as they closed out the regular season campaign at Selland Arena.
Fresno completes the regular season this Friday and Saturday in Long Beach against the Ice Dogs before taking on the Steelheads in the first round of the Taylor Cup Playoffs. Fresno's title defense gets underway with Games One and Two of the best-of-seven series on Apr. 11 and 12 in Boise at the Bank of America Centre.
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