Ice Miners Clinch Playoff Berth Win
Published on March 19, 2015 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Keystone Ice Miners News Release
CONNELLSVILLE, PA - Alex Archibald scored a goal and added an assist, while Lordanthony Grissom notched a shorthanded tally and Nick Kossoff made 27 saves as Keystone defeated Johnstown for the 7th time in 10 attempts this season on Wednesday night at the Ice Mine. The win clinched a playoff spot for the Ice Miners, the organization's fourth straight trip to the postseason.
Despite a first period full of chances, neither team broke through on 11 shots per side. Kossoff and Johnstown netminder Nick DeSimmone each played a perfect frame and it was scoress through 20 minutes. It almost went a full second period with a goal, until Alex Archibald's long point shot with just 1:19 remaining found its way into the net. Taylor Fernandez was credited with the only assist and the Ice Miners led 1-0 going into the third.
At the 2:38 mark of period three, Archibald got involved again, sneaking a powerplay shot through DeSimmone and extending the lead to 2-0. Jon Hall was credited with the deflection, as Archibald and Fernandez got assists. Johnstown was quick to respond as Luke Lynch cleaned up a rebound in front of Kossoff only 14 seconds later and brought the score back to 2-1. The Ice Miners were then forced to kill off several penalties before finally getting some insurance on a shorthanded goal by Lordanthony Grissom. Grissom outskated Tomahawks defenseman Alex Jaeckle and slid the puck past DeSimmone as he was being dragged down. Trailing 3-1, Johnstown pulled their goaltender with just under two minutes remaining and Austin Romzek buried an empty netter, bringing the game to a 4-1 final. Kossoff's 27 save effort was good for his 13th victory. DeSimmone made 31 saves in the loss.
The Ice Miners are once again just one point behind the Soo Eagles for 2nd place in the North, but Soo has one game in hand. The Tomahawks remain one point up on the Michigan Warriors for 4th with one game in hand on them. Johnstown returns home to face Soo oN Friday, Saturday, and Sunday while the Ice Miners welcome the Warriors to town Friday and Saturday night.
Tickets to all Ice Miners home games can be purchased online at mkt.com/keystoneiceminers or by calling 724-628-4847. Postseason dates will be announced as soon as seeding is decided. The Ice Miners will be offering "5 for $25" packs throughout the playoffs, which will begin in the first two weeks of April.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2015
- Michaud Breaks Goal Record in 3-1 Loss to Jackalopes - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Long Run - Minot Minotauros
- Eagles Final Regular Season Road Trip Takes Them to Johnstown - Soo Eagles
- Eagles Still in Second Place, Collect Four Points - Soo Eagles
- Soo Eagles Playoff Information - Soo Eagles
- Soo Eagles Playoff Burger Bash March 30th - Soo Eagles
- Brahmas - Wild Preview for March 20 - Lone Star Brahmas
- Ice Miners Clinch Playoff Berth Win - Keystone Ice Miners
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