Jackals Fall by a Goal and Trail Series 3-1

April 12, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals dropped a 5-4 decision to the Florida Everblades at First Arena on Friday night and now trail the best-of-seven series three games to one. The Jackals will look to stave off elimination from the Kelly Cup playoffs in Game 5 tomorrow at home.

The Jackals got the crowd rocking early in the first when Matt Carter deflected a point shot by Ryan Palmer into the net for the 1-0 lead. The goal, just 1:19 into the game, was Carter's first pro playoff marker. But Florida was able to respond quickly thanks to Brandon MacLean beating a screened Ian Keserich 2:37 after the Jackals took the lead. Florida's power play, which came into the game as the best in the playoffs, produced a goal courtesy of Matt Pistilli at 15:26 of the first to give the Everblades their first lead of the night. Elmira put Florida into penalty trouble late in the period, though, and carried a lengthy 5-on-3 into the second period.

Despite having nearly four minutes of consecutive power play time, the Jackals were unable to produce the tying strike early in the second. That came back to bite them when Mathieu Roy scored from close range, again on the power play, to put Florida in front by a pair with just over seven minutes gone by. Then the Jackals kicked their offense into high gear and scored three times within a span of 5:24 to retake the lead. Jean Bourbeau and Jack Downing each netted their first of the playoffs at 10:11 and 13:51, respectively, and Jordan Pietrus finished off the rally with a power play goal from the bottom of the left wing circle.

Like in Game 3, Elmira went into the third with a one goal lead looking to hold Florida's offense at bay. A pair of quick goals, however, by MacLean and Roy, left the Jackals looking for the tying score. Despite consistent pressure that produced 11 shots in the period, the Jackals were still down in the final minute. Keserich was pulled for the extra attacker which generated a couple of scoring chances, but Florida goalie Jesse Deckert kept Elmira off the board and propelled Florida to the win.

Keserich sustained the loss while stopping 32 of 37 shots. The Jackals ended the night 1-for-6 on the power play and 5-for-7 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals return home to host Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on Friday, April 13 at 7:05 p.m. Get your tickets now by calling 607-734-7825, visiting the First Arena Box Office or ordering online. Groups of 10 or more get discounts off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability. Call 607-734-7825 to order your playoff tickets today!



ECHL Stories from April 12, 2013


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