Falcons Take Two of Three at Home

April 21, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Having split Games One and Two of their best-of-seven, first round series against the Idaho Steelheads, the Fresno Falcons returned home last week in their quest to defend their Taylor Cup title.

Game Three on Wednesday advanced to overtime with last season's Cup finalists tied at one through 60 minutes of regulation. Three minutes into the extra session Glen Gulutzan took a shot that glanced off the skate of Kris Porter for the game-winning goal, giving Fresno the upper hand in the series.

On Friday the Falcons played their most complete game of the playoffs, thus far, rolling to a convincing 3-1 victory over the Steelheads. Colin Embley, Brad Both and Scott Borders all tallied goals as Fresno captured a three games to one lead and moved within one win of a return trip to the Finals.

Clinching on home ice proved a difficult task as Fresno had already become the first team this season to impose a three-game losing streak upon the Steelheads, who staved off elimination by breaking open a tight hockey game through two and a half periods on their way to a 5-2 victory.

TWO CHANCES FOR ONE VICTORY

With a three games to two series advantage still intact, Fresno has two more opportunities to advance to the Finals. Idaho was dominant on home ice throughout the season and on into the playoffs, losing just four games in regulation. But two of the four defeats came at the hands of the Falcons, including a 5-2 decision in Game Two of this series.

Game Six is Tuesday at the Bank of America Centre in Boise and, if necessary, a Game Seven would be played on Wednesday. Both games, if necessary naturally, can be heard live on 103.1 FM, The Mountain Cat, beginning at 5:50 p.m. PDT with the Mail Boxes, Etc. Pre-game Show.

GULLS CHEERING FOR A LONG SERIES

Having polished off the Bakersfield Condors four games to one in the league' s other first round series thanks to a series-clinching 3-1 victory this past Friday, the San Diego Gulls are undoubtedly cheering for a seventh game between Fresno and Idaho as they recuperate and prepare for their fifth trip to the Finals. The Falcons are attempting to accomplish a feat that to which only the Gulls can lay claim – repeating as Taylor Cup Champions. San Diego won the league's first three titles from 1995-96 through 1997-98.

Should Fresno knock off the Steelheads for the second consecutive season, the Finals would open up with Game One in San Diego this Friday, Apr. 25. If Idaho prevails, Game One will be played on Friday in Boise.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

If the Falcons defeat the Steelheads, they will travel directly to San Diego without returning to Fresno for practice.



ECHL Stories from April 21, 2003


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