IceGators lead Central Division semifinals, 2-1
April 12, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, LA â The Louisiana IceGators played three games against the Pensacola Ice Pilots this past week, taking the first two games and dropping the third in overtime. The IceGators need one win to clinch the best-of-five series. The fourth game will take place in Pensacola on Tuesday, April 13.
The first game of the series saw the Ice Pilots go up by two goals in the first period, but their lead would not last as six IceGators tallied eight goals for the 8-4 victory. Jamie Johnson and Konstantin Kalmikov scored two goals each and Bruce Richardson, Dennis Shiryaev, Ed McGrane and Semir-Ben-Amor added one each to the board. Derek Gustafson made 24 saves.
Derek Gustafson earned his first post-season shutout and set a new IceGators record for saves in regulation in a playoff game when he shutout the Ice Pilots 6-0. He faced 43 Pensacola shots and stopped all of them. The IceGators also set records for the most decisive post-season win (six goals) and short-handed goals in one period (two). Ed McGrane, Konstantin Kalmikov, Kenny Corupe and Bruce Richardson all found the net in the first period, with Kalmikov's and Richardson's goals coming on the penalty kill. Dennis Shiryaev added a power play goal in the second and Semir Ben-Amor tallied in the third to complete the scoring.
The third game of the series found the IceGators in the Hangar in Pensacola. The first period was scoreless as both goaltenders battled for the win. The Pilots struck first and held the one-goal lead until Dennis Shiryaev beat Brian Eklund at the 12:51 mark of the third period. The Gators and Pilots battled through most of the first overtime period until Tyler Beechey capitalized on a rebound off Gustafson and slammed one home for the deciding goal. Gustafson faced 40 shots in the 2-1 Pilots' win, while the Gators put 50 shots on Eklund
UPCOMING GAMES AND GOINGS-ON
@ Pensacola Ice Pilots â Tuesday, April 13, 2004 @ 7:05 pm â The IceGators will take to the ice at the Hangar again as they try to end the Pilots post-season.
Pensacola Ice Pilots â Wednesday, April 14, 2004 @ 7:05 pm â If necessary to decide the series, the fifth game will move back to the Cajundome.
IN OTHER NEWS...
Who's Hot â Konstantin Kalmikov has six points (3g â 3a) in three games, including a short-handed tally in each of the first two games against Pensacola. Jamie Johnson earned 5 points (2g â 3a). Ed McGrane, Bruce Richardson and Ben Storey each have 4 points and Dennis Shiryaev has a goal in each of the first three games. Derek Gustafson posted his first playoff shutout by stopping 43 shots in regulation on Thursday.
You Sound Like a Broken Record â The IceGators assaulted their playoff records this past week, breaking previous marks for most decisive win and saves in regulation. The previous record for most decisive win was four goals, a record the Gators tied on Wednesday and broke with a tally of six goals on Thursday. Gustafson set a new high for saves in regulation with 43 in the 6-0 drubbing of Pensacola on Thursday. Thursday's game also saw a new mark set for short-handed goals in one period. Kalmikov and Richardson both scored on the penalty kill in the first period. The Gators have scored two shorthanded goals in one game, but never in one period.
"Tickets for the Tenth" â The Louisiana IceGators have launched their season ticket drive for the 2004-05 season. Ticket packages are now on sale for full season (36 games) and partial season packages. The IceGators are already over halfway to their goal of 1000 season ticket deposits by May 1, 2004. Deposits are $25 per seat. Please call the IceGators office at 337-234-4423 to order your season tickets for next year.
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