Ice Takes Series Lead with 1-0 Shutout
April 18, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Indiana Ice News Release
The stat sheet doesn't always tell the whole story.
Such was the case on Thursday as the Indiana Ice reclaimed a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals with an edgy 1-0 win over the Green Bay Gamblers at the Resch Center.
Denis Smirnov scored the lone goal on the night while Jason Pawloski stopped all 12 Green Bay shots for the second shutout of the series and his first of the playoffs.
As was the case throughout most of the regular season, Indy controlled a commanding lead in the shot count with a 32-12 rally that included a 17-bullet barrage in the opening period.
The boards got as much of a workout as Gamblers' goaltender Jared Rutledge as physical play rocked a majority of the contest. The veteran netminder faced several challenges throughout the game, but was bested when a perfect pass from Scott Conway fed Smirnov for the game winner.
It took 21 shots on net, but Smirnov's first postseason goal punctuated the nearly 30-minute silence as a perfect cross-slot pass left the net wide open for the 1-0 marker. Matt Roy pinched low to win the puck battle in the corner while Conway supplied the pass for Smirnov's tally.
The contest got tight in the last minute of play as constant pressure was applied on the Indy defense. The team remained strong to keep the puck out of the crease and pressure off of Pawloski for the win.
A decisive game four match between Indy and Green Bay is set for Friday night from the Resch Center at 8:05 pm. If necessary, game five would return to Indy on Monday (4/21) to decide who advances to the Eastern Conference finals.
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United States Hockey League Stories from April 18, 2014
- Randolph Scores In Overtime As Lancers Force Game Four - Omaha Lancers
- Ice shut out Gamblers - Indiana Ice
- Reich Rebounds, Saints Earn 1-0 Win & Take Series Lead - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Storm End 2013-14, Set Sights on Next Season - Tri-City Storm
- Wahlin Commits to St. Cloud State - Tri-City Storm
- Black Hawks Advance to Second Round - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Ice Takes Series Lead with 1-0 Shutout - Indiana Ice
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