Falcons Offense Explodes in 7-5 Win at Long Beach

February 25, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Long Beach, Calif. - Luke Curtin (2g, 2a) and John Wroblewski (4a) both notched four points to lead the Fresno Falcons to a 7-5 win over the Long Beach Ice Dogs on Sunday. The Falcons have won three straight games, and four out of five, heading into a four-game home stand.

The seven goals are a season-high for the Falcons, who scored more than four goals in a game for the first time since November 11, a span of 43 games. Fresno's four power-play goals also are a new season high.

The two clubs exchanged six goals in a high-scoring first period. Long Beach opened the scoring just 1:37 into play as Andrew Winnik's shot from the right point eluded Scott Stirling.

Fresno pulled even 2:01 later as Matt O'Dette beat Mike Brown with a shot from the right points for his second goal of the season, and his first since November 3.

Long Beach retook the lead at 6:31. Mark Hurtubise fed Ash Goldie in the left-wing circle, and he snapped a shot past Stirling for his 23rd of the season.

The Falcons again came back quickly, tying the score 1:54 later with a power-play goal. John Morlang gathered in the rebound of a Luke Curtin and beat Brown for his team-leading 20th goal of the season. The assist for Curtin extended his scoring streak to seven games.

But, Long Beach again went back on top just 59 seconds later. Goldie stole the puck at the Fresno blue line, and raced in alone on Stirling. At the last moment, Goldie fed a back-door pass to Terry Harrison, and he pushed a shot past Stirling for his seventh of the season.

Fresno finished off the first-period barrage with its second power-play goal in as many chances at 17:30. Cory Murphy moved the puck down low to Curtin along the goal line, and Curtin pushed the puck back to the front of the net, beating Brown for his 12th tally of the year.

The Falcons took their first lead of the night 15:12 into the second period, scoring their third power-play goal of the game. Dave Borrelli skated across the Long Beach line, and snapped a shot past Brown from the right-wing circle for his sixth of the year.

Long Beach came back 1:48 later, tying the game at 4. Mark Tobin skated into the left-wing circle of the Fresno zone, and dropped a pass for Brad Bonnello trailing the play. Bonnello blasted a one-timer past Stirling for his 12th goal of the season.

But, the Falcons were able to score late in the period to take a 5-4 lead into the final 20 minutes of play. O'Dette kept the puck alive at the right point, and beat Brown with a long shot for his second goal of the night.

Curtin gave the Falcons some breathing room 5:40 into the final period, scoring his second of the night and the Falcons' fourth power-play tally of the game, beating Brett Jaeger with a wrist shot from the left-wing circle.

Just over two minutes later, Long Beach again pulled within one as Brandon Schwartz took a drop pass from Alexei Smirnov and wristed a shot past Stirling from the left-wing circle.

But, the Falcons were able to regain their two-goal advantage less than 90 seconds later at 9:27, as Brett Hammond put home the rebound of a Lucas Lawson shot for his fifth goal of the season.

The Falcons open a four-game home stand on Tuesday, hosting the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:00 p.m. on Two for Tuesday, presented by Carl's Jr., KMPH Fox 26, and KRZR 103.7 FM. Stop by any local Carl's Jr. location to pick up a voucher allowing you to purchase one ticket at regular price and get a second ticket free. It's also the inaugural Melt the Ice Bikini Contest presented by Hooters, Advanced Laser Clinic, and Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. Ten Hooters girls will be participating in a bikini contest for the opportunity to win cash prizes.

Tickets for all Falcons home games can be purchased at the Save Mart Center Box Office, by phone at (559) 485-8497, on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, or at any TicketMaster outlet. All Falcons' games air on 1550 and 96.1 Sporting News Radio starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show 15 minutes prior to face off.



ECHL Stories from February 25, 2007


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