Jets Rally but Express Lane Closed 4-3 in OT
March 11, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
(Fargo, ND) The Jets couldn't make it through the express lane tonight as they were taken down by Southern Minnesota in an overtime loss 4-3. Jordy Trottier came out strong with two goals tonight, one of them bringing the score to a tie. But the Express finished even stronger with a quick goal only thirty-two seconds into overtime.
Marc Harrie nabbed the opening face-off and tipped it down to defenseman, Sean McNeely. The Jets were in a must-win situation tonight, so putting the pressure on early was essential. Both teams were on tonight, as they continued to frustrate each other in the zones. A slashing call at 15:38 gave the Jets their first power play opportunity, but the Express continued to play hard and fought it off. Express goalie, Scott Pederson, brought a tough wall in front of the cage and the Jets started to feel like scoring a goal was like putting a square peg in a round hole. This wasn't the same story for the Express as Danford shot one right past Adam Buegler's right side off an assist from Arrigoni to put the Express up 1-0 with 8:49 left on the first period clock. Another two penalties went by on both the Jets and Express to end the period with the Jets still trailing 1-0. It was up to the Jets to win the draws in the second period, but they were hoping for much more than that. After having established nothing offensively on the board in the first period, the Jets really needed to make something happen. Something happened alright, but not to the favor of the Jets. On a power-play advantage, Inderieden came crashing into the crease to upend Buegler in the goal. Unfortunately, the puck went into the goal before the goal came out of position, putting the Jets at a 2-0 deficit.
The Jets had plenty of scoring chances, but still, nothing was going into their favor. They "were throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Pederson", according to broadcaster, Mark Weiby. It seemed as though he was right. With just under seven minutes of play left and still no score from the Jets, Elliot Okland made two beautiful saves, on the left side of the net. But the third time was a charm for the Express as Unkelsbay racked a third goal for the Express to put them at 3-0.
By this time, the Jets had had enough. On a 5-on-3 man Power Play advantage, the Jets finally put a goal up on the board. Although it took them until 12 seconds left in the power play, Jordy Trottier still put the puck through Pederson nonetheless. The fans felt a little déjà vu about two minutes later as the Express went on a 5-on-3 power play. Thankfully, nothing came of it and the period ended with the Jets still trailing 3-1.
The Jets won all three face offs, but they still needed two goals to tie the game back up. Instead, the Jets started out with two fights. Punches thrown left and right from both Andrew Harrison and Marc Harrie distracted the Jets from getting on the horn and making some goals. With less than five minutes left in the game, there were no ifs, ands or buts about scoring; it needed to be done. So, Robby Phillip took it upon himself to do just that. With an assist from newcomer Ryan LaDouceur, he brought the score to 3-2 at 4:17. Trailing by one goal still wouldn't do it, so the Jets needed to make some big measures to try for the tie. By taking Okland out and adding an attacker, Trottier fought his way through traffic and grabbed that third goal with 19 seconds left to put the score to 3-3. Overtime was short and sweet as the Express took the win in 32 seconds flat. Okland broke down for just a second, and the Express pounced. LaDoucuer finished with two assisted and Trottier added another pair of goals in the losing effort. Philipp did what he could by adding a goal of his own but it wasn't enough.
The FM Jets Junior A Hockey Club is in its fifth season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 32nd year of operation. For more information, visit fmjets.com or call (701) 235-2354.
Jets home games are played at the John E. Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, ND. All games are broadcasted on fmjets.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.
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