Jackals Get The Jump On The Royals; Win Playoff Opener 1-0
April 11, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
ELMIRA, NY - Bruce Watson scored the lone goal at 8:50 of the final period and Joel Martin turned aside all 34 shots as the Elmira Jackals slipped past the Reading Royals 1-0 in front of 3,473 fans at First Arena Friday. The win gives the Jackals a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven North Division semifinal series that resumes tomorrow night in Reading.
Watson's goal came as he drove to the top of the crease in front of Royals netminder Danny Taylor and Chris Busby teeing a drive from the high slot.
The blast hit the crowd and popped up into the air and fell behind Taylor before rolling across the goal line and into the net with just over eleven minutes left in the game.
The first period featured the Royals outshooting the home club 14-10 with both sides picking up several good chances, but both goaltenders keep enemy shooters at bay. The physical element was apparent, particularly by the Jackals, with the signature hit in the opening frame applied by Bruce Watson on Reading's Charlie Kronschnabel that left the Royals forward down and out for a several seconds.
Not much changed in the second other than the physical play picking up even more with a nearly hit by Chaz Johnson on Kevin Saurette charging up the home crowd. The period featured several momentum swings bore out by the shots total see-sawing, but neither club had answers for the between the pipes.
Both clubs were whistled for five minors as neither club could take advantage of the five power play chances each enjoyed.
***
The Jackals and Royals resume their North Division semifinal series Saturday night at Sovereign Center in Reading, PA. Game time is 7:05 p.m. with game night coverage commencing with the Hill Top Inn Countdown to Face-Off at 6:35 p.m. on MAGIC-FM (92.7/97.7) and on-line at www.jackalshockey.com.
Game Three of the series returns to First Arena Tuesday night for a 7:05 p.m. face-off. Good seats remain.
ECHL Stories from April 11, 2008
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- Royals Drop Game One To Jackals, 1-0 - Reading Royals
- Jackals Get The Jump On The Royals; Win Playoff Opener 1-0 - Elmira Jackals
- Blades down 0-2 in series after falling to Columbia 3-1 - Florida Everblades
- Chiefs Falter Against Cyclones - Johnstown Chiefs
- Inferno Earn 3-1 Win in Game Two Against Florida - Columbia Inferno
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- Flames Send Wranglers Burke And Donally For Kelly Cup Playoffs - Las Vegas Wranglers
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- Aces win in Boise again, 6-4, lead series 2-0 - Alaska Aces
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