Jackals Triumph in Exciting Shootout, Winning Streak at Nine

Published on January 8, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


Elmira, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals prevailed in a thrilling shootout on Sunday evening at First Arena over the Cincinnati Cyclones, 4-3, extending their winning streak to nine games and increasing their perfect shootout record in 2011-2012 to 8-0.

Louie Caporusso lengthened his point streak to six games (4g-3a) early in the contest, driving a puck from the right circle past the stick of Cyclones goaltender Brad Fogal at 12:53 of the first to give the Jackals the lead with a power-play goal, 1-0.

Jonathan Hazen took a puck that caromed off the boards to the slot and fired it past Jackals goaltender Brian Stewart's glove at 17:16, sending the teams into the first intermission tied 1-1.

After serving a four-minute penalty, Dustin Gazley came out of the box and poked a loose puck past Fogal from the top of the crease, putting Elmira back in front, 2-1, at 5:03 of the second.

Jack Downing added to the Jackals' lead minutes later, taking a feed from Artem Demkov and driving a puck between Fogal's pads to make it 3-1 at 10:17.

Cincinnati fought back to put Elmira's impeccable overtime record to the test, getting goals in the third period from Hazen at 9:07 and Pelech at 17:17 to force the game into the extra session.

The Jackals took a 10-0 record past regulation into the contest (3-0 sudden death, 7-0 shootouts). Cincinnati received a power play in overtime at 1:16 but was unable to convert.

Elmira's shootout mark was put to the test, and after Cincinnati's first two attempts, it appeared the Jackals might suffer their first defeat as Chris Cahill and Anthony Luciani both beat Stewart. Mike Radja scored his league-leading seventh shootout goal in the second round as the Cyclones took a 2-1 advantage into the third. Hazen hit a post, while Downing pushed a puck past Fogal to even the shootout. Pelech and Gazley each scored in the fourth round. After Evan Trupp's shot was stopped by Stewart's right pad, Caporusso snapped a puck from the right circle past Fogal to give the Jackals the shootout victory.

Stewart improved to 11-0 lifetime in shootouts (8-0 - ECHL, 3-0 - AHL) with the victory. He made 34 saves on 37 shots to increase his 2011-2012 record to 14-5-0-0. Fogal dropped to 1-2-0-1 with a 20-save outing.

The Jackals' nine-game winning streak is their longest in one ECHL season. Elmira has eight-straight home victories for the first time since joining the ECHL as well.

The Jackals search for a 10th-straight win on Friday when they head to Reading to battle the Royals. Elmira returns home to host South Carolina on Saturday and Trenton on Sunday at First Arena. To reserve your seats call (607) 734-PUCK (7825), visit the First Arena Box Office, or log ontob JackalsHockey.com.

Notes:

Elmira has won 14-consecutive games decided by one goal and leads the league with a 15-3-0-0 record in games decided by one goal...Eight of the nine wins during this winning streak have been one-goal contests...The Jackals extended their lead for first place in the Eastern Conference to three points over Gwinnett...Elmira improved to 23-2-0-0 when allowing four goals or less...Caporusso, credited with the shootout winner, had game-winning goals in Elmira's wins on Friday and Saturday...The Jackals were 0-7 in sudden death and 1-3 in shootouts in 2010-2011

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from January 8, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central