Falcons Down Steelheads, 3-2
Published on December 18, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release
Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons claimed victory over the Idaho Steelheads by a score of 3-2 at Save Mart Center to finish out the last home game of 2004. Goals were credited to Paul Falco, Curtis Sheptak, and Shaun Sutter, with the latter two executed on power plays.
The Falcons took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period when Paul Falco deflected a shot by Charles Simard past Steelheads goalie Frank Doyle. This was Falco's first goal of the season, and came six seconds after the Falcons were unable to execute on a power play.
The second period was all about power play action. The Steelheads entered tonight's game ranked number one in penalty kills, but this statistic obviously did not phase the Falcons. Fresno scored two consecutive goals within the first eight minutes of the period, both during power plays, extending Fresno's lead to 3-0. The first came from a lethal wrist shot by Curtis Sheptak at 6:19, and the second by Shaun Sutter at 7:57.
Idaho quickly responded with a goal by Frank Lukes, again on a power play, when he slipped the puck past Fresno goaltender Brett Jaeger at 10:09 of the second period. The Steelheads brought it back to a one-goal game when Scott Burt scored at 6:28 of the third period.
Fresno struggled with penalties the rest of the period, defending numerous power plays, including a six-on-three with an empty net on the Steelheads' end. Tension rose and tempers flew, but the Falcons were able to battle it out until the last few seconds, finalizing the victory at 3-2.
This game marks the end of a three game set at home. The Falcons will now set out on their longest road trip of the season that will last over the Holidays and into the New Year. They will begin in Las Vegas with a midnight start on the morning of Dec. 21, followed by a trip down to Bakersfield on Dec. 26. The Falcons will be back at home Tuesday, Jan. 4 hosting the Peoria Rivermen at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are on sale for as low as $8 per seat and may be purchased directly at Save Mart Center's box office and all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 485-TIXS (8497), or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
ECHL Stories from December 18, 2004
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- Rosebush hits the jackpot with 12 seconds left as Condors win - Bakersfield Condors
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- Steelheads lose 3-2 to Falcons - Idaho Steelheads
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