Lynx Go 2-2 This Week

December 6, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Augusta Lynx News Release


Another four game week for the Augusta Lynx produced four points of a possible eight, as the club highlighted the week with wins against South Carolina and Columbia.

Tuesday the Lynx rode a Ken Magowan hat trick to a 4-1 win over the South Carolina Stingrays. Magowan's first hat trick as a pro was completed with an empty net offering to ice the win for Augusta, complimenting Colt King's single marker and a 35 save performance from Jason Saal. The game also marked the first multiple-goal game for a Lynx player this season.

Friday night the scene shifted to Columbia as the Lynx took on the red-hot Inferno, who heading into the game had won four straight. The Lynx paid no mind to that stat, or the one listing the Inferno as the league's top penalty killing unit. Augusta scored twice on the power play in the first period to open up a 2-0 lead on goals from Jamie Johnson and Todd Bennett. Despite their best attempts to score, the Inferno were frustrated by yet another Jason Saal 35 save performance, and Jarrett Thompson's even strength marker capped the scoring in the game at 3-0 Lynx. The shut out was Saal's first of the year, and his second consecutive win.

Saturday night, the Lynx returned home to face the Louisiana IceGators. Again, Augusta's power play ignored a Louisiana penalty kill that hadn't give up a goal in five road games, scoring twice with the man advantage again. But despite that and Louis Goulet's goal and two assist performance, Louisiana managed a 4-3 win to disappoint the home fans. Jason Saal made 26 saves and was replaced late by Matus Kostur, who stopped two shots in his relief stint.

Augusta rounded out the weekend in Greenville against the Grrrowl, a contest that featured two teams at the end of a three games in three days stretch. No scoring in the first period gave way to a Jim Shepherd marker to put Augusta ahead 1-0. Unfortunately for the Lynx, it was the only lead they would enjoy as the Grrrowl rattled off three unanswered goals, including a power play goal on their only opportunity of the game, for a 3-1 win. Matus Kostur stopped 25 shots in the loss for the Lynx, while Mike Brodeur turned aside 33 shots for the win.

Connolly Sets Team Record

Defenseman Sean Connolly has established a new mark for Augusta Lynx defensemen after recording a point in eight straight games from 11/20 until 12/3 against Columbia. Over that time, Connolly scored three goals and added nine assists to help boost Augusta's offense. The final point of the streak came with an assist on a Todd Bennett game-winning power play goal last Friday against the Inferno. The old mark of seven games was set by former player and coach Dave Wilkie.

What's Next

December 7th vs. Louisiana

7:05 pm – Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center

The Lynx and IceGators hook up for the second time in three games after a close 4-3 win for Louisiana on Saturday night. Augusta looks to bounce back against Louisiana, which leads the season series 2-0-0. Augusta will not see Louisiana again until January 9th after Tuesday night.

December 10th vs. Pee Dee

7:35 pm – Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center

The Lynx come into Friday night's game 0-1-1 against the Pride this year, picking up a shootout point the last time the two clubs played on November 24th in Augusta. Jamie Johnson has two goals and an assist in two games against the Pride this year to lead all scorers in the series.

December 11th vs. Charlotte

7:35 pm – Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center

The Lynx and Checkers hook up for the third time this season when the Checkers come to town on Saturday night. Charlotte has won both decisions thus far, beating the Lynx once each at home and on the road. Mike Harder has five assists in the series in two games to lead all point-getters thus far.

Milestones

· Jim Shepherd's next goal will be his 125th as a pro.

· Jarrett Thompson needs four games to reach 100 in his pro career.

· Sean Connolly is five points away from 50 as a pro.

· Josh St. Louis' next game will be his 200th as a pro.

· Mike Sandbeck needs 10 points for 100 in his pro career.

· Todd Bennett is eight games away from the 150 mark in his career.

· Jason Saal's next shutout will move him into sole possession of second place all-time on the ECHL's shut out list.

News And Notes

· Augusta's power play went 4-for-14 this week (28.6%).

· Jamie Johnson and Todd Bennett are tied for the team lead with three PP goals each.

· Jason Saal's shut out Friday night was his 18th career donut, tying him for second all-time on the ECHL list with Daniel Berthiaume. Marc Magliarditti has a total of 21 in his ECHL career.

· Ken Magowan's hat trick against South Carolina Tuesday was his first as a pro.

Team Leaders

Goals – Ken Magowan (7)

Assists – Louis Goulet (12)

Points – Louis Goulet (17)

PIMs – Louis Goulet (36)

Plus/Minus – Ken Magowan (+7)

PP Goals – Jamie Johnson, Todd Bennett (3)

SH Goals – Louis Goulet (1)

GWG – Ken Magowan (2)

Wins – Jason Saal (5)

GAA – Jason Saal (2.57)

Save % - Jason Saal (.914)

Send Us Your Questions!

Fans – If you want to submit your question for Lynx coaches or players via email, just log on to www.augustalynx.com and click on the FanZone and look for our "Ask A Player" or "Ask A Coach" question forms. Emails will be selected and read on the air during the Behind The Bench Coach's Show broadcast live from Wild Wing Café on Monday nights at 7 pm!

Behind The Bench Coach's Show

The Behind The Bench Coach's Show returns tonight live from Wild Wing Café, 3035 Washington Rd. in Augusta. Join Stan Drulia, Chuck Weber, and Tom Callahan plus various player guests throughout the season live and in person or on the air on NEWSTALKSPORTS 1630.

Friday Night Slap Shot Trivia With Mike Thomas!

Every Friday night home game means Slap Shot Trivia With Mike Thomas! Get you and a group of friends together for your crack at winning $15 gift certificates to Passport International for Lynx Merchandise and a luxury box for a night at an upcoming game. You must be present to win this contest, so check it out every Friday home game during the season.

Ticket Information

Augusta's next home game will be Wednesday, November 24th against the Pee Dee Pride at 7:05 pm. Tickets are on sale now through the Augusta Lynx office at 712 Telfair St. by calling (706) 724-4ICE, all TicketMaster locations, or on line at www.TicketMaster.com.



ECHL Stories from December 6, 2004


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