Isaacs Lifts Surge in Overtime
February 14, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi Surge News Release
Defenseman James Isaacs scored two minutes and 12 seconds into overtime to lift the Mississippi Surge to a 2-1 win over the Louisiana IceGators Tuesday night in Louisiana. Louisiana hotly contested the winning goal.
Scott Jenks carried the puck off the right wing boards and let a shot go that Louisiana goaltender B.J. O'Brien made the save on. In the ensuing scramble for the rebound, Jenks was knocked into the goal crease and Isaacs was able to poke in the puck which was laying in the crease. Referee Josh Greco signaled the goal, giving the Surge a record of 10-3-0 in its last 13 games. The goal also ruined a splendid effort by O'Brien who stopped 35 of the 37 shots he faced.
His counterpart, Kiefer Smiley continued his recent strong play for the Surge also. Smiley turned away 24 shots, including an amazing diving save in overtime, shortly before Isaacs' game winning goal.
Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn broke a scoreless tie with his team leading 21st goal of the season at 13:02 of the first period. As Smiley and O'Brien continued the goaltending battle, it wasn't until midway through the second period that Tyler Lyon connected on a power play for Louisiana to tie the game. The goaltending battled then carried through the final 9:15 of the second period, and the entire third period forcing the overtime.
The win moves the Surge into a tie with Pensacola for fifth place in the Southern Professional Hockey League. Each team trails Louisiana by three points, and Louisiana has played two more games than both Pensacola and the Surge.
Next up for the Surge will be a rematch with Louisiana at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Friday at 7:05 p.m.
SPHL Stories from February 14, 2012
- RiverHawks Soar to Win in Third Period - Augusta RiverHawks
- Surge Snaps IceGators' Win Streak in Overtime - Louisiana IceGators
- Winning Streak Pushed to Three - Mississippi RiverKings
- Isaacs Lifts Surge in Overtime - Mississippi Surge
- 'Gators Netminder BJ O'Brien Named SBK Player of the Week - SPHL
- RiverKings Fans to Enjoy Food & Drink Specials, Valentine's Giveaways - Mississippi RiverKings
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