Lombardi Leads Trenton Past Toledo, 3-2

March 11, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Trenton Devils News Release


Trenton, NJ - After erasing a one-goal deficit with 25 seconds remaining in the third period, the Trenton Devils used shootout goals by Ryan Hayes, Matt Lombardi and Trevor Kell to defeat the Toledo Walleye, 3-2, at Sun National Bank Center.

Before he scored Trenton's second shootout goal, Matt Lombardi tallied twice in regulation time, including the game-tying scorer in the game's final 30 seconds when Trenton had pulled its goalie for an extra attacker. In his first start since February 27, Jeff Lerg made 26 saves on 28 shots through regulation and overtime, while denying three of Toledo's four shootout attempts, to earn his team-leading eighth win of the season.

Chris DiDomenico and Evan Rankin were the Walleye's goal scorers and Thomas McCollum allowed two goals on 35 shots in regulation and overtime, but Toledo fell to Trenton for the fourth time in five meetings.

After the Devils and Walleye combined to play Trenton's first scoreless opening 40 minutes of the season, Matt Lombardi broke the stalemate at 2:29 of the third period. Lombardi's strike came off a wrist shot from the right-wing circle that slipped past McCollum's glove and Bryan Haczyk and Martin Nolet got the assists. For Haczyk, a native of Nutley, NJ, the assist was his first pro point after he signed his first pro contract Friday afternoon, while Nolet's secondary helper gives him three points in the last five games.

However, the Devils' lead lasted just over six minutes, as a shot by Chris DiDomenico ricocheted past Lerg off a Trenton defenseman at 8:41 of the third. The Walleye then moved ahead a minute and a half later when Evan Rankin and Mike Hedden combined on a two-on one which resulted in a finish by Rankin, while the Walleye's leading scorer, Andy Bohmbach, earned the secondary assist.

After taking the lead, the Walleye clamped down on the Devils and maintained their advantage into the game's final minute. However, with Jeff Lerg on the bench for an extra attacker, Matt Lombardi drew the Devils back even with 25 seconds left in the third period and Jordon Southorn and Trevor Kell got assists.

After continuing to play on even footing through a scoreless five-minute overtime, the Devils scored three shootout goals to earn the 3-2 victory and end their eight-game winless streak.

Improving to 22-33-2-5, the Devils will look to build off their come-from-behind win when they battle the Elmira Jackals at Sun National Bank Center Sunday at 4:00 p.m.



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