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Fort Wayne's Goal With 2.1 Seconds Remaining Forces Deciding Game

May 2, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2) - Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - The Port Huron Icehawks were unable to close out the Fort Wayne Komets in Saturday's game six of their semi-final matchup Saturday at McMorran Arena, falling 4-3. The Komets' goal with just 2.1 seconds remaining in the regulation forces a game seven showdown Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Fort Wayne.

Larry Sterling got the nod in goal for Port Huron just three days after being injured in Wednesday's game four. The Komets tested Sterling early, as Leo Thomas found the back of the net on Fort Wayne's first shot attempt at 3:22 of the first period. Guy Dupuis assisted on the goal. Sterling would recover, making a spectacular sprawling save three minutes later to avoid a two goal deficit. Port Huron outshot Fort Wayne 9-8 in the opening period, but was unable to score.

Sterling was unable to return after the first intermission, and rookie Raffaele D'Orso took over for the remainder of the game. Derek Patrosso put Port Huron on the board 5:44 into the second period on a 5-on-3 power play. Jamie Lovell and Mike Kinnie assisted on the play. The Komets regained the lead when Sean O'Connor beat D'Orso on a 2-on-1 rush with P.C. Drouin as the Icehawks changed lines. Jamie Lovell scored his third goal of the playoffs on assists by Kinnie and Kris Vernarsky as the Icehawks took advantage of another 5-on-3 advantage at 19:11 of the second period. The game was tied at two at the end of the second period as the Icehawks outshot the Komets 20-8.

Fort Wayne took the lead 14:39 into the third period as Colin Chaulk found the puck after it was poked away from Justin Hodgman and fired it in. Mike Kinnie's wraparound score a minute later once again tied the game. The Komets fired several shots at D'Orso in the game's final minute, and with just 2.1 seconds remaining in regulation, Leo Thomas put home his second goal of the night, forcing game seven in the process. Fort Wayne's defense held Port Huron to just five shots on goal in the period, while firing eight of their own.

The Komets got the most of their shots, as they were outshot 34-24 overall.

Nick Boucher wins his second game in as many nights, stopping 31 of 34 shots. D'Orso takes the loss for Port Huron, with 13 saves on 16 shots faced. Sterling had stopped seven of eight shots in the first period.

Port Huron's power play unit got back on track after being shut out last night, converting twice on eight advantage opportunities. Fort Wayne went 0/2 on the power play.

The Icehawks travel to Fort Wayne for game seven at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

In other semi-final action, the Flint Generals stayed alive in their series with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, earning a 5-2 win in game five in enemy territory. Flint will host game six Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

Single game tickets for all Icehawks home games are on sale now at McMorran Arena Box Office, any Ticket Master location or by phone. For more information, visit www.porthuronicehawks.com or call 810-966-3800.

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