Jackals Battle But Fall in Game 2
Published on April 4, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
Reading, Pa. - The Elmira Jackals mounted a comeback bid on Wednesday night at the Sovereign Center in Game 2 of the best-of-five Eastern Conference Quarterfinals but could not catch up to the Reading Royals, eventually falling, 4-2. The Royals took a two games to none series lead with the victory.
The Royals jumped on the Jackals early on in the first period, taking advantage of their first two power-play opportunities. Dale Mitchell pushed home a puck in front of the net at 2:58 while Mikael Bedard one handed a loose puck into the goal at 12:23, giving Reading a 2-0 lead after the opening frame.
After the Jackals were unable to convert on a late second-period power play, the Royals came back in on a three-on-one rush to get the puck into Elmira's end. From behind the net, Ian O'Connor banked a puck off a Jackal and into the goal, extending Reading's lead to 3-0 at 18:58.
Dustin Gazley and Artem Demkov sparked Elmira's comeback attempt with a pair of third-period goals. Gazley took a feed from Mike Radja at 9:48, skated to the left circle, and snapped it past Mark Owuya to make it 3-1. Radja then blasted a puck from the blue line that was tipped in by Artem Demkov with 49.5 seconds to go in regulation, bringing Elmira to within a goal, 3-2.
Kenny Ryan dashed the Jackals' comeback hopes, however, firing in an empty-net goal with 33 seconds to go, as Reading prevailed, 4-2.
Timo Pielmeier (0-1) made 21 saves in his Jackals playoff debut. Owuya (2-0) had his second-consecutive strong outing of the playoffs in net, turning aside 38 of 40 shots.
The Jackals will host the final three games of the series this Friday, Saturday (if necessary), and Monday (if necessary), with all contests beginning at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for Elmira's home games in the first round are on sale now. Fans can reserve their seats by calling (607) 734-PUCK (7825), visiting the First Arena Box Office, or logging onto JackalsHockey.com.
Notes:
Elmira faces a two games to none series deficit for the second time in its Kelly Cup Playoff history...The Jackals dropped the first two games of the 2009 North Division Finals to the Cincinnati Cyclones on their way to being swept in the second round of the playoffs...Demkov has registered points in 11-straight games (3g-11a) dating back to the regular season...The Jackals lost both games in Reading in the playoffs in regulation after going 6-1-2-0 at the Sovereign Center during the regular season
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