IceGators Edge RiverKings 2-1
December 28, 2013 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, La.--All the Louisiana IceGators wanted for Christmas was an end to their three game losing streak and the start of a new winning streak.
The IceGators' first wish came true Friday night, and the second became a reality Saturday night with a 2-1 victory over the Mississippi RiverKings. Matt Robertson scored the game winner at the 1:30 mark of the third period.
The win puts the first-place IceGators (16-7-2) four points ahead of the RiverKings and the Pensacola IceFlyers in the SPHL standings. The IceGators will face the IceFlyers in Pensacola on Sunday. Game time is set for 3:05 p.m.
"If you are a fan of hockey, what more could you ask for out of this game?' asked IceGators head coach Kevin Kaminski. "Both teams sacrificed their bodies. We saw great goaltending, bone-crushing hits, and some good fights. The work ethic from both teams was unbelievable.
"This game could have gone either way. Fortunately for us, 'Robo' buried one for us in the third."
The IceGators took a 1-0 lead at the 10:42 mark of the first period when Kirk Byczynski scored a power play goal off assists from Shawn McNeil and Adam Stuart.
The RiverKings tied the game early in the second period. Matt Whitehead scored at the 6:39 mark off feeds from Todd Hosmer and Leo Thomas.
Robertson's goal came on a partial breakaway. He eluded a defender and fired his shot, sending the puck just under the goalie's blocker pad. Jason Cohen and Chris Wilson assisted on the play.
Kaminski attributes some of this weekend's success to the improved play of his goaltenders. Kiefer Smiley and Matt Zenzola have combined to stop 47 of 48 shots in the last two nights.
"Goaltending has been huge so far this weekend," Kaminski said. "It's nice to know we can rely on Zenzola and Smiley when we have breakdowns in the zone.
Kaminski also says his front lines have come a long way in the last few weeks.
"We've played much better away from the puck this weekend, too," Kaminski said. "Everybody's trusting each other to do their own job on defense.
Kaminski says the key to victory against the IceFlyers is his players sticking to the game plan and being physical against the boards.
"The biggest thing is keeping it simple," Kaminski said. "We need to make plays when they are there. When they aren't, we need to use the glass and walls and win the battles there. It's a matter of executing the game plan and eliminating turnovers. If we do that and get good goaltending, we should be fine.
"Pensacola's a hell of a team. We have to be firing on all cylinders when we hit the ice (Sunday)."
SPHL Stories from December 28, 2013
- Ice Bears Win in Defensive Battle - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Louisiana Hands RiverKings Second Straight Loss - Mississippi RiverKings
- Big Second Period Leads Havoc Past Peoria - Peoria Rivermen
- IceGators Edge RiverKings 2-1 - Louisiana IceGators
- Thunder Win 3rd Straight - Bloomington Thunder
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