Jackals Nip Nailers in Shootout, 4-3

January 30, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


ELMIRA, NY - January 30, 2016 - The Elmira Jackals fell behind 2-0 just 4:14 into regulation, but clawed back using the power-play to power ahead of the Wheeling Nailers and eventually defeat their rivals 4-3 in the shootout.

Wheeling struck first on the man advantage just 2:24 into the opening stanza as Paul Cianfrini fired a slap shot from the point past Alex Vazzano for his first goal of the season. Less than two minutes later Cianfrini scored again from the point with a wrist shot through traffic that snuck past Vazzano. Following Cianfrini's second goal of the night and season, Vazzano was pulled and C.J. Motte entered the game. The Jackals cut the deficit in half later in the period with their first of three power-play goals. Kyle Bushee played the puck from the point to his left into the circle for Cason Hohmann who fed Allan McPherson in the slot for a shot that deflected off of Chris Langkow and past Casey DeSmith. Langkow's third goal of the season was his first tally since November 21st. Hohmann extended his point streak to seven games with the assist.

Elmira quickly evened the score in the opening moments of the second period using the power-play to fuel the comeback. Just 10 seconds into the frame Casey DeSmith was whistled for high-sticking Allan McPherson giving the Jackals an early man advantage. As time was winding down on the power-play Zach Tolkinen raced across the blue line to keep a clearance attempt in the offensive zone then walked in and fired a shot that hit DeSmith and dropped in front for Tyler Currier to bang home for his 12th goal of the season. Later in the frame, the Jackals earned another power-play chance and took advantage. Mike Seidel laid a pass up to the point where Zach Tolkinen ripped a shot that deflected off of Tyler Currier and past DeSmith for his 13th goal of the season and second of the night. However, before the end of the second period Wheeling capitalized on its own power-play attempt as Jordan Kwas notched his third goal of the season at 16:35 assisted by Jarrett Burton and Mathew Maione.

Motte and DeSmith stole the show in the third period stopping all 23 combined shots on target sending the game to overtime. Each team had chances in overtime, including Derek Army's rush that was ripped off the post with seconds remaining in the extra frame. Motte and DeSmith saved each of the seven shots in the overtime frame sending the contest to a shootout.

Andrew Cerretani shot first and was robbed by C.J. Motte who sprawled out and laid his glove along the goal line keeping the puck from crossing. Colin Jacobs went first for the Jackals and beat DeSmith but not the post. Cody Wydo started round two and scored on a backhand, but was answered by Cason Hohmann who scored on a backhand move to knot the score at one apiece. Mathew Maione went in round three for Wheeling and had his effort poke checked by Motte, which gave Kevin Clare a chance to end the game but DeSmith made the save and continued the skills competition. Derek Army's shot was saved by Motte which brought Mike Seidel up in round four with the game on his stick. Seidel slipped a silky deke past DeSmith and propelled the Jackals to victory.

C.J. Motte stopped 35 of 36 shots faced and three of four in the shootout to earn his 12th win of the season. Casey DeSmith turned aside 35 of 38 shots faced but allowed two of four in the shootout and took the shootout loss.



ECHL Stories from January 30, 2016


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