Komets Survive Late Jackal Charge For 4-3 Win, Series Victory
Published on April 18, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
The Elmira Jackals tried as hard as they could Friday night, but it just wasn't enough for them to defeat the Fort Wayne Komets. With a 4-3 win on the road in front of 3,314 Jackal faithful, the Komets advance to the Colonial Cup Finals with a 4-0 series victory.
The game started in the Jackals' favor, with Corey Neilson scoring at 3:56 from Kris Mallette and Randy Murphy for a 1-0 lead. Fort Wayne came back with a shorthanded marker to tie the game at 15:14 from Bobby Stewart, his fourth goal of the post-season. Fort Wayne opened up a bigger lead in the second period on goals by Marc Barlow at 13:12 and Colin Chaulk at 14:41, setting up a 3-1 Komets lead heading into the third period.
Elmira came out shorthanded, needing to kill off what remained of R.C. Lyke's cross checking penalty from late in the second period. After the penalty expired, the Jackals went to work, finally piercing the Komet armor with a Mike Hofstrand power play tally at 11:06. Mike Thompson fed the puck in front to Hofstrand who slammed it home, while Rob Guinn picked up the other assist. Then Tom Clayton wheeled out into the high slot at 12:32 and ripped a shot over the shoulder of Tom Lawson to forge a 3-3 tie for the Jackals. Guinn and Eddy Lowe earned the helpers on the goal. Elmira continued to carry the play, until a defensive zone breakdown at 17:32 enabled Dustin Virag to score from Adam Lewis. That goal was the eventual game winner, as Elmira could not score despite a sixth attacker late in the game. Marco Emond stopped 31 shots in the loss, while Lawson turned aside 22 in earning his seventh consecutive playoff win.
The Jackals organization wishes to thank their fans and sponsors for a tremendous season on and off the ice. See you next year!
ECHL Stories from April 18, 2003
- Generals Wrap Up Record-Setting Season - Greensboro Generals
- Komets Survive Late Jackal Charge For 4-3 Win, Series Victory - Elmira Jackals
- Bullies Beat Gernerals 3-2, Win Division Finals - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
- Condors Win Community, Game Presentation Awards - Bakersfield Condors
- Generals Playoff Game Night Notes - Greensboro Generals
- Bombers Heading in New Direction - Dayton Bombers
- Steelheads Zamboni Playoff Cruise III - Idaho Steelheads
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