Jackets turn tables on Stars, 5-2

Published on February 27, 2010 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Traverse City North Stars News Release


TRAVERSE CITY - If you ask the Traverse City North Stars, it's much better to give than receive.

One night after dealing the visiting Motor City Metal Jackets a 6-1 setback, the Jackets tore a page from the playbook, scoring three early goals en route to a 5-2 win on Saturday at Centre ICE arena.

"They totally turned the tables on us," explained North Stars head coach/GM Anthony Palumbo. "They played hard right from the opening puck, and came out with way more energy than us. For whatever reason, we struggle on the back ends of series this year when we win the opening game. It seems like we take for granted the things that got us the victory in the first game."

The Stars (27-17-4) are still alone in first place in the NAHL North after Marquette picked up a point in a 4-3 shootout loss at Marquette on Saturday, a point ahead of the Rangers. Third-place Janesville fell 5-3 at Springfield to remain four points back.

By the 4:39 mark of the second period, Motor City (20-22-7) had established a 3-0 lead before Eric McLintock (Traverse City, MI/TC North Stars) stopped on a dime near the Jackets' crease and roofed his 17th of the season, paring the deficit to a pair of goals. The momentum was short-lived, however - lasting roughly 20 seconds - before Motor City answered. McLintock would add another goal in the waning moments to make it a 5-2 final. Curtis Heinz (Grand Rapids, MI/ Wichita Falls NAHL) assisted on both goals, while Kyle Jean (Sault Ste. Marie, MI/TC North Stars/Lake Superior State) helped set up the second.

"Full marks to them, they played well and deserved to win," Palumbo continued. "They carried the first period - probably the first half of the game until we got going and carried the play, but by then it was already decided."

Chris Paliafito (Shelbyville, KY/Owatonna NAHL) and Drew Strandberg (Thunder Bay, ONT/Thunder Bay SIJHL) split time in net, combining for 17 saves.

The North Stars visit second-place Marquette next weekend for a Friday-Saturday series at Lakeview Arena that will shape the late stages of the NAHL North title chase.

"It's a big series, no doubt about it, but every game from here on out is our biggest game," Palumbo concluded. "And we have to be able to come back and play well the second night, no matter how the first game comes out."

Six of the Stars' final 10 regular season games are at Centre ICE arena, including a pair of Wednesday affairs - March 10 against Alpena and on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) versus Motor City.

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North American Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2010


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