Falcons Fall to Grizzlies in Sixth Longest Game in ECHL History
April 15, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release
Fresno, Calif. - Justin Bourne scored 6:23 into the third overtime period, ending the sixth-longest game in ECHL history, and leading the Utah Grizzlies to a 4-3 win over the Fresno Falcons in game two of their National Conference Quarterfinals series on Monday at Save Mart Center. Utah takes a 2 games to 0 lead with the series shifting to Utah on Wednesday.
The Falcons drew first blood, taking their first lead of the series with a power-play goal 14:23 into the first period. P.O. Beaulieu skated to the top of the left-wing circle, and had his shot deflected past goaltender Nathan Lawson by Oren Eizenman, who scored his second goal of the series.
Igor Gongalsky extended the Falcons lead to 2-0 at the 8:28 mark of the second period, deflecting a Joe Van Culin shot past Lawson for his first career playoff goal.
Fresno's second power-play goal of the night at 16:52 gave the Falcons a 3-0 advantage. Luke Curtin picked up a loose puck in the left-wing circle, and roofed a shot past Lawson on the short side for his first goal of the playoffs.
Utah got on the board late in the period with a power-play goal of its own. Jake Moreland made the initial save, but Rob Sirianni gathered in the rebound on the far post and pushed a shot home at 19:22, cutting Fresno's lead to 3-1 after 40 minutes of play.
The Grizzlies pulled even with a pair of power-play goals just 48 seconds apart in the first seven minutes of the third period. Andrew MacDonald scored a 5-on-3 power-play goal at 6:19, blasting a shot past Moreland from the high slot, and Jeff Dwyer tied it at 7:07 with a shot from the left point.
Utah was awarded a penalty shot 3:02 into the first overtime session after a Falcon defender covered a loose puck in the crease with his hand. Tyler Haskins took the shot, and Moreland was able to poke the puck free from his stick before he got a shot off.
In the third overtime period, Tyler Haskins fed Bourne streaking down the slot, and he beat Moreland just inside the near post to give Utah the win.
Moreland finished the night with 56 saves, while Lawson ended with 39.
The series shifts to The E Center in West Valley City, Utah for game three of the best-of-seven series on Wednesday at 6:05 p.m. PT. Catch all of the action on 790 ESPN Radio, The Deuce, starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show at 5:50. Fans should note that Falcons' road playoff games will NOT be aired at Rep's Sports Bar.
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