Hot Start Powers Bobcats Romp
December 3, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bismarck Bobcats News Release
BISMARCK, ND - The Bismarck Bobcats rode a three-goal first period to a dominating 5-1 win at the VFW Sports Center over the visitingAberdeen Wings Friday night.
Red-hot Frank DeAugustine started an early Bobcats blitz onthe power play, just 2:17 into the game, getting open on the right post ofAberdeen goalie Hunter Leisner's net and shaking Leisner with a headfake andsliding in a low shot for a 1-0 lead for the home side.
Sam Dougherty followed for the Cats just 1:34 later, takinga back-door feed an slamming home a powerful wrist shot past a sprawlingLeisner to boost the edge to 2-0.
DeAugustine capped the opening rally at the 11:22 mark ofthe opening frame, roofing a cross-ice feed from Matt Gates to extend theadvantage to 3-0 Cats.
After DeAugustine's second strike, Leisner was lifted forbackup Jordan Lehr. Leisner was credited with just two saves before leaving thegame.
It was by far the best start the Bobcats have had so faragainst the Wings.
"We've definitely struggled early against Aberdeen, so weall wanted to get the jump on them fast," said DeAugustine, who also scoredtwice in Thursday's exhibition contest in Minot against Aberdeen. "We caughtthem a little flat-footed and were able to press our advantage and take controlquickly."
The Bobcats killed penalties for a large chunk of the secondperiod, negating five straight Aberdeen power plays toward the end of ascoreless middle frame.
Bismarck opened the third period with another quick burst ofoffense when Bryce Schmitt lined a 30-foot transition shot off Lehr's blockerand into the net just 48 seconds into the final frame to push the lead out to4-0.
Tom Rizzardo followed 29 seconds later, getting a luckypower play bounce from a 45-foot slap shot off Aberdeen defender Mitch Sand andinto the net for a 5-0 edge.
On the night, the Bobcats special teams held a largeadvantage, going 2-for-4 on the power play and 8-for-8 on the penalty kill.
"Our special teams had been struggling so it was importantfor us to have a strong night on the 'PK' and 'PP,'" noted Rizzardo, who nowhas three goals against the Wings this year. "You can't beat a team that workshard like Aberdeen without a good power play, so getting two goals like thatwent a long way [Friday]."
Aberdeen spoiled Bobcat goalie Ryan Faragher's shutout withjust 2:20 left in regulation as Tyler Underhill found space inside the Bobcatdefense and zipped a rising shot over Faragher's glove for the 5-1 final.
Faragher was credited with 12 saves on the way to his 14thwin of 2010-11; Lehr stopped 17 shots but did not factor into the decision.
The Bobcats have the rest of the weekend off to relax whileFaragher, Charlie Mosey and Dan Zawacki all travel to Walpole, Mass., onSaturday to represent the Central Division on Team [Doug] Weight at the NAHLTop Prospects Tournament, which runs Sunday through Tuesday.
Regular season action resumes next Friday when the Bobcatsopen a two-game home series against the Austin Bruins at 7:15 PM. It will beAustin's first trip in franchise history to the VFW Sports Center, where theCats have tallied five straight wins.
Friday's contest will bebroadcast locally on the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, Super Talk 1270, KLXX-AM,and worldwide at http://nahl.fasthockey.com/. Pre-game coverage will begin at 6:45 PM CT.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 3, 2010
- Hot Start Powers Bobcats Romp - Bismarck Bobcats
- Corpus Christi Bulled Over by Amarillo, 3-1 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Jackets Collar North Stars - Traverse City North Stars
- Wild Sends Johnson to Dubuque: Narsing Called Up - Wenatchee Wild
- Tommy Dowell Traded to Minnesota Owls - Corpus Christi IceRays
- NAHL Top Prospects Tournament Gets Underway Sunday - NAHL
- Bobcats Best Aberdeen in Minot - Bismarck Bobcats
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