Kotyk Kicks Shutout for Barons
February 9, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Cleveland Barons News Release
CLEVELAND, OH - The Barons spent much of the first period digging themselves out of a hole. But they proved to be great diggers. After nine minutes of play, the Barons spent seven minutes shorthanded. But their penalty kill unit proved worthy and Seamus Kotyk stymied the Griffins by not allowing a goal. The first period would see the Barons only muster 3 shots, but no damage was done and the teams played to a stalemate in a scoreless first period of play.
The second period began in an unusual fashion. A Barons player covered the puck inside the Barons crease and Grand Rapids was awarded a penalty shot. Mark Mowers, who has 22 goals on the season coming into the game, took the shot for the Griffins. Mowers looked to score between the legs of Kotyk, who anticipated perfectly with a pad save. The Barons and Griffins played 77 minutes and 58 seconds of scoreless hockey over a two game stretch. The clock would stop as Pat Rissmiller out-muscled a Griffins defender and scored top shelf against Marc Lamothe on the power play. The Barons would carry a 1-0 lead into the third period.
The Barons were searching for the second goal of the game and came up just short three minutes into the period. Niko Dimitrakos took a one-timer on a pass from Pat Rissmiller and the shot found it's way past Lamothe but rang off the post. Then Derek King tried to answer for the Griffins on a point-blank rebound in the closing moments of regulation, but again Kotyk was there for the Barons with a gorgeous glove save.
The win was Kotyk's second shutout of the season and tied the season series at 2-2-0 between the clubs. They have each scored nine goals in the series and have traded 1-0 shutouts in the last two meetings. The game-winning goal by Rissmiller was the first of his professional career.
The Barons will finish their three game home stand on Tuesday as they take on the Philadelphia Phantoms. The puck will drop at 7:05 and fans can take advantage of Two for Tuesdays. All fans purchasing club level tickets will receive a two for one deal. To take advantage of the special ticket offer, tickets must be purchased at the Gund Arena Box Office on the day of the game only. All other ticket purchases can be made at all TicketMaster Outlets and Charge-By-Phone by calling 216-241-5555.
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American Hockey League Stories from February 9, 2003
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