Mission Accomplished: Return to San Diego

May 5, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


After losing Games One and Two of the Taylor Cup Finals to the San Diego Gulls, the Fresno Falcons set out to win at least two of three last week at Selland Arena in an effort to send the best-of-seven back to San Diego for the series conclusion.

The Falcons won Game Three on Wednesday at Selland on the strength of goals from Cory Murphy and Glen Gulutzan less than a minute apart early in the third period. The two tallies stood despite the Gulls cutting the lead down to one late in the game as Fresno hung on for the 4-3 victory.

Still trailing 2-1 in the series, the Falcons needed overtime on Friday to knot the series at two. Tied at two heading to the extra session, league Rookie of the Year Colin Embley scored the overtime-winner at 13:54 to force at least a Game Six back at the San Diego Sports Arena.

On Saturday the Falcons looked to take the upper hand in the series and move within one win of capturing their second straight Taylor Cup title. The Gulls had other thoughts as they quickly took a 2-0 lead in the first on a pair of goals 27 seconds apart. Fresno battled back with two goals in the second and for the second game in a row it looked as if overtime would be needed.

A clean sweep on home ice never materialized for Fresno, though, when a shot from Miguel Delisle at 18:21 of the third period deflected off the skate of the Falcons' Tyler Prosofsky, who had collided with goaltender Terry Friesen just before the puck crossed the goal line. The Gulls added an empty-netter for the final 4-2 margin and took a three games to two lead in the series.

ON THE BRINK OF ELIMINATION

While the Falcons successfully dug themselves out of the early 2-0 series deficit, they still must win two games in San Diego this coming weekend to repeat as Taylor Cup Champions. Game Six is Saturday, May 10, at 7 p.m. at the San Diego Sports Arena. If Fresno wins, a decisive Game Seven is scheduled for Sunday, May 11, at 5 p.m.

Game One @ San Diego Gulls Friday, Apr. 25 San Diego 7, Falcons 2
Game Two @ San Diego Gulls Monday, Apr. 28 San Diego 7, Falcons 3
Game Three Selland Arena Wednesday, Apr. 30 Falcons 4, San Diego 3
Game Four Selland Arena Friday, May 2 Falcons 3, San Diego 2 (OT)
Game Five Selland Arena Saturday, May 3 San Diego 4, Falcons 2
Game Six @ San Diego Gulls Saturday, May 10 7:00 p.m.
Game Seven @ San Diego Gulls Sunday, May 11 5:00 p.m. (if necessary)

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

The Falcons took today off and resume preparations for Game Six tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Gateway Ice Center. They will practice at Gateway on Wednesday at 10 a.m., Thursday at 11:45 a.m. and on Friday at 10 a.m. before making their way to San Diego following practice on Friday.



ECHL Stories from May 5, 2003


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