Lynx lose game, ground to Ice Pilots in 3-2 OT loss

Published on March 4, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Augusta Lynx News Release


In a game that displayed playoff intensity at times, the Pensacola Ice Pilots managed to overcome a second period deficit and sneak by the Augusta Lynx 3-2 in overtime on Thursday night.

Both teams came out firing in the first period of play, combining for 30 shots on goal, 19 of which belonged to the Ice Pilots. At 15:07, Dwayne Hay would dive for a puck wedged in front of the Lynx net from the right wing, knocking it in past a sprawling Jason Saal for his 23rd goal of the season and a 1-0 Ice Pilots lead after one period of play. Tyler Beechey and Greg Chambers added the assists on the goal.

In the second period, it was Augusta's turn to get the scoring machine in gear, starting with Todd Bennett punching home a loose puck through the legs of Pensacola goaltender Brian Eklund to tie the game at 1-1. Louis Goulet and Martin Lapointe registered the assists at 6:22 of the second period. That goal was followed by a Jonathan Gagnon power play goal at 8:36. Eklund appeared to leave the near side post early when Gagnon walked the puck out from the corner, and the crafty winger beat the goaltender on his blocker side to give the Lynx the lead. Terry Marchant added the help on the goal to put Augusta ahead 2-1 after two periods of play.

With a game as important as this for both clubs, the Lynx tried desperately to hold on to their one goal lead in the third period. Pensacola, however, shattered that plan when they scored at 15:49 on an Aaron Gionet wrist shot from the point that eluded Saal through traffic and tied the game at 2-2. Peter Fregoe and Wes Mason picked up the assists on the goal to send the game to overtime, where Jade Galbraith won it at 1:34 on a backhand wraparound from Jeremy Van Hoof to give Pensacola a 3-2 win. Although Augusta picks up a point on the night, the Ice Pilots gain a point on the Lynx in the standings. Saal finished with 42 saves, while Eklund stopped 25 in earning the win.

The Lynx are back in action Saturday night against the Cottonmouths in Columbus, with game time at 7:30 pm. You can catch the pre-game show staring one half-hour before faceoff on your home for Lynx Hockey, EAGLE 102!



ECHL Stories from March 4, 2004


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