Falcons Drop Shootout to Wranglers, 2-1

Published on November 22, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons' Derek Krestanovich scored the team's only goal and Brett Jaeger made 26 saves through regulation and overtime before the club fell to the Las Vegas Wranglers in a shootout at Save Mart Center by a final of 2-1.

After a scoreless first, Krestanovich dumped his third goal of the year into an empty net after a Luke Curtin drive from the point landed right on his stick off a deflection in front. The power play goal at 2:00 of the second gave the Falcons a 1-0 lead.

Las Vegas tied the game at one early in the third period while skating on the power play. Chris Stanley re-directed Lee Green's shot from the point past Jaeger, who had no chance on the play. Technically, the goal was an even strength tally, because it occurred just as a penalty to Fresno's Kelsey Muench expired.

Although both teams hit the post once through the remainder of regulation, the game headed to overtime tied at one. The Falcons out-shot Las Vegas, 6-2, in the extra session, but Wranglers rookie goaltender Mike McKenna stood tall to lead his team to the shootout.

Only Cory Murphy scored in the shootout for Fresno, while two Las Vegas skaters tallied to hand the visitors the 2-1 shootout win.

With the shootout loss, the Falcons earn one point in the standings and remain in first place in the Pacific Division, running their record to 8-3-2 this season. The team is a perfect 7-0-0 against teams from the Pacific, but since an opening night win against the Victoria Salmon Kings, has gone winless (0-3-2) over its last five against foes from the National Conference's West Division.

Fresno will take the Thanksgiving holiday off before traveling to Bakersfield on Saturday, Nov. 26, to face the Condors and to San Diego on Sunday, Nov. 27, to battle the Gulls. Saturday's tilt can be heard live on 1550 Sporting News Radio beginning at 6:45 p.m. with the FutureTek Pre-game Show, while Sunday's pre-game on 1550 SNR begins at 4:45 p.m. Fans may view both games on-line on a pay-per-view basis courtesy of B2 Networks, which can be accessed via the team's website at www.fresnofalcons.com.



ECHL Stories from November 22, 2005


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