Falcons Fall to Steelheads in Overtime - Series Tied at 2-2
Published on May 17, 2002 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release
FRESNO, Calif. - Idaho's Bobby Stewart slipped the puck past a sprawling Terry Friesen to score the game-winning goal in the Idaho Steelheads 4-3 overtime victory over the Fresno Falcons in Game Four of the Taylor Cup Finals. After dropping the first two games of the best-of-seven series, Idaho has fought back to tie the series at 2-2, assuring that the series will go at least six games.
Despite taking a 1-0 lead just 2:02 into the contest with Joe Frederick's team leading seventh goal of the playoffs, Fresno found themselves staring down a 3-1 deficit midway through the opening period. Idaho's Cal Ingraham, Scott Burt and Derek Paget all found the back of the net for the Steelheads to help build their two-goal advantage. The Falcons chipped away at that lead at the end of the period with a goal by Brodie Coffin at the 17:16 mark of the period.
In the second period, Dale Junkin got the equalizer for the Falcons as his goal 8:43 into the period tied the game at three apiece. Both teams had plenty of opportunities in the third period to break the stalemate, but neither team was able to light the lamp sending the game into overtime. Then less than eight minutes into the extra frame, Stewart was left all alone in front of the net as he put a loose puck just underneath Friesen's outstretched glove to clinch the victory. For Fresno, it was their fourth overtime loss in 2002 post-season.
For fourth consecutive game, the Falcons outshot the Steelheads, this time outgunning them by a 29 to 22 margin. Friesen made 18 saves between the pipes for Fresno while his counterpart for the Steelheads, Blair Allison, made 26. The game also marked the 10th time in the last 11 Taylor Cup Finals games that the road team has pulled out the victory.
The Falcons will look snap their two-game losing streak and take a 3-2 series lead when they clash with the Steelheads in Game Five of the Taylor Cup Finals, presented by PostalAnnex+ and Mono Wind Casino, at Selland Arena on Sunday, May 19, at 5 p.m. Tickets for the game are on sale now and cost $14, with $2 discounts for kids, students, seniors and military with a valid id. They are available at the Selland Arena box office, all Ticketmaster location or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com.
Game One at Idaho Friday, May 10 Falcons 5, Steelheads 2
Game Two at Idaho Saturday, May 11 Falcons 5, Steelheads 4
Game Three at Fresno Wednesday, May 15 Steelheads 4, Falcons 2
Game Four at Fresno Thursday, May 16 Steelheads 4, Falcons 3 (OT)
Game Five at Fresno Sunday, May 19 5 p.m.
Game Six at Idaho Friday, May 24 6:05 p.m.
Game Seven at Idaho Saturday, May 25 6:05 p.m. (if necessary)
*All times Pacific
ECHL Stories from May 17, 2002
- Game Six Tickets Now On Sale - Idaho Steelheads
- Game Five Tickets on Sale Now - Fresno Falcons
- More Kelly Cup Merchandise Has Arrived - Greenville Grrrowl
- Grrrowl Coach Marks To Toss Coin Saturday - Greenville Grrrowl
- Falcons Fall to Steelheads in Overtime - Series Tied at 2-2 - Fresno Falcons
- Idaho Wins 4-3 In Overtime To Square The Taylor Cup Finals - Idaho Steelheads
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