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Generals assume 1-0 lead

April 3, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greensboro Generals News Release


GREENSBORO, NC— In the first playoff game in Greensboro Generals history, the team outscored the Roanoke Express 7-2 and lead the best-of-five series 1-0.

The Greensboro Generals come-from-behind 4-3 victory over the Lexington Men O'War clinched home-ice advantage for the first round of the Kelly Cup playoffs. The victory, in front of 4,189 fans at the Greensboro Coliseum, combined with an Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies loss moves the Generals within one point of first place in the Northeast Division with one game left to go.

An uncharacteristic start to the first period gave Lexington (34-31-7) an early advantage. The first goal came at the 2:50 mark by Jesse Cook, followed by a power-play conversion by Van Burgess, giving the Men O'War a 2-0 lead. Greensboro answered at the 5:26 mark when Matt Chandler sent home a rebound shot slicing the deficit to 2-1. Lexington's Ryan Fultz retaliated with a goal to push the lead to 3-1 at 11:53, sending Generals' goaltender Daniel Berthiaume to the bench in favor of Sebastien Centomo. The Generals gained momentum from the goalie change, with Matt Turek converting a power-play opportunity for Greensboro and closing out the period with the Generals trailing 3-2.

The lone goal of the second period knotted the contest at 3-3 when Generals Captain Jay Murphy redirected a goal mouth pass from Bryan Richardson just 1:34 into the frame. Mark Turner also assisted on the goal, setting the Generals all-time single season assist record at 43.

Greensboro notched the eventual game-winning goal in the opening minute of the third period, with Pete Gardiner one-timing a Rod Aldoff feed into the back of the net. Centomo, who played shutout hockey with a 24-save effort, made it stand up to earn the victory.

Tonight's triumph locks in the first two games of the first round of the Kelly Cup playoffs for the Generals. Their opponent is yet to be determined, but they know they will host game one of the best of five series on Thursday, April 3 at 7:00. Game two of the series will also be at the Greensboro Coliseum on Friday night at 7:30. The rest of the northeast division semi-final dates will be announced no later than Monday morning.

The Generals still have a chance at first place in the final game of the regular season, when they visit the Greenville Grrrowl at 3:05. A Generals win combined with an Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies loss or tie to the Reading Royals will give Greensboro the Northeast Division regular season title. Fans can check all the Generals action on WPET 950AM and www.greensborogenerals.com.

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