LumberJax held off by San Jose, 9-8
April 7, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
San Jose Stealth News Release
PORTLAND, April 6, 2007 - Despite a seven goal scoring run during the second half, the Portland LumberJax (3-12) were defeated, 9-8, by the San Jose Stealth (7-6) this evening in the Rose Garden Arena in front of 6,748 fans. The Jax were led by forward Matt Holman who racked up three goals and an assist during the contest. Tonight marked Holman's third straight game in which he has recorded a hat trick.
The first quarter remained scoreless for 13:34 until San Jose's Luke Wiles fired a shot past Dallas Eliuk (51SOG, 42SV). With the help of a strong defensive front, Eliuk made eight saves and allowed just one goal against in the entire quarter. The Jax out-shot the Stealth 12-11 in the first but were unable to put a ball past San Jose's goalie Anthony Cosmo who backstopped a 1-0 lead.
The Stealth carried their scoring momentum into the second quarter by netting a goal at 1:26. Colin Doyle's two-minute slashing penalty lead to a Jax opportunity which Tyler Heavenor (1G, 4A) took advantage of, firing in a shot in from the restraining line. San Jose then went on a four-goal scoring run to wrap up the half with a 6-1 lead heading into the locker rooms.
The Stealth began the second half with a goal at 2:05 from Doyle before San Jose's defenseman Eric Martin was awarded a two minute penalty for an illegal cross check (2:43). With the man advantage, the Jax were able to spread the Stealth defense, which allowed forward Holman to tip the ball into the net at 3:04. A minute later Kelly Hall (2G, 2A) added another score for the Jax, narrowing the San Jose lead to four goals. Defenseman Richard Morgan (1G) continued the Jax scoring run at 8:11 with an assist from his brother Peter Morgan (3A). Ryan Marshall was assessed two separate penalties for holding and interference at 12:02 which forced the Jax to add another man to the box. Despite San Jose's five-on-three advantage, the Jax were able to stall and burn the time off of one of the penalties. With Marshall still in the penalty box, the quarter ended with a 7-4 Stealth lead.
Portland's Hall was able to score a shorthanded goal 50 seconds into the fourth, narrowing the lead to two goals. After both teams returned to even strength, San Jose's Ian Hawksbee was given a two-minute penalty for slashing while teammate Shaydon Santos was sent to the box for a five-minute high sticking violation. The Jax were now looking at a five-on-three advantage of their own at 4:15. Holman capitalized on the power-play opportunity by netting two goals within 53 seconds to tie the game, 7-7. Although Graham Palmer was sent to the box for holding, teammate Bruce Alexander (1G) scored the Jax second shorthanded goal of the night at 10:05 to take an 8-7 lead. San Jose stepped up and scored two quick goals at 10:37 and 11:13 which ended a Jax seven-goal scoring run. With the Stealth leading 9-8, Portland pulled Eliuk in hopes of sending the game into overtime. Despite their hard-fought efforts in the last 30 seconds, the Jax were unable to score which left the Stealth with a 9-8 victory.
The season finale for the LumberJax is this Friday night (April 13) at 7 p.m. in the Rose Garden. The Jax hope to spoil Edmonton's chances of clinching a playoff berth, so call 503.797.9739 for information about LumberJax tickets.
National Lacrosse League Stories from April 7, 2007
- Wiles, Doyle Total Five Points Each To Lead San Jose Past Rush 9-8 - San Jose Stealth
- Philadelphia tramples over Titans - Philadelphia Wings
- Arizona Remains in Second Place Despite Road Loss - Arizona Sting
- LumberJax held off by San Jose, 9-8 - San Jose Stealth
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