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Murphy's OT Goal Caps Falcons Rally

February 14, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


West Valley City, Utah - Cory Murphy scored in overtime to cap a three-goal comeback for the Fresno Falcons as they downed the Utah Grizzles 4-3 on Wednesday at The E Center.

Fresno scored the lone goal of the opening period, marking the first time in a span of nine games that the Falcons scored the game's first goal. With Utah on the power play, Dustin VanBallegooie knocked down a pass at the top of the circles, and fed Brett Hammond through the neutral zone on a breakaway. Hammond deked goaltender Rob McVicar, and slid a shot home on the backhand giving the Falcons' their 18th shorthanded goal of the season.

Utah tied the game 6:01 into the second period as Danny Stewart took a pass from Luciano Aquino and beat Scott Stirling for his eighth goal of the season.

The Grizzlies took the lead just 1:02 later with a power-play goal. Joel Irving skated to the half wall on the far side of the Falcons' zone and beat Stirling with a slap shot to give the 2-1 advantage.

Stewart made it 3-1 Utah through two periods, scoring his second of the night at 13:54. Irving and Aquino skated into the Fresno zone on a 2-on-1rush, and Aquino had his shot turned aside by Stirling, but the rebound rolled to the hash marks where Stewart was able to push it home.

Fresno pulled within one 7:45 into the third period. Brian McConnell set up Lucas Lawson in the left-wing circle, and Lawson snapped a shot past McVicar for his eighth goal of the season.

The Falcons tied the score just over three minutes later at 10:49. Brett Hammond won a face-off to P.O. Beaulieu at the blue line. Beaulieu moved the puck for Dustin VanBallegooie skating down the left-wing side. VanBallegooie moved into the left-wing circle and beat McVicar with a quick shot off of his backhand.

Murphy scored 2:49 into the extra session, taking a pass from Luke Curtin, and blasting a shot past McVicar from the right point for his eighth goal of the season.

Ryan MacDonald replaced Stirling in goal at the start of the third period, and turned aside all eight shots he faced to record his 14th win of the season.

Game two of the three-game series in Utah is Friday night, with face-off set for 6:05 p.m. PT. Catch all of the action starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show at 5:45.

The Falcons return home on Monday, February 19, hosting the Bakersfield Condors in a President's Day matinee at 1:00 p.m. Silver seats are only $7 and gold seats are just $8.50. Following the game, join the Falcons for a post-game celebration at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. The Falcons players will be taking the bus to Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino after the President's Day game for dinner and some gaming. The bus ride is free for season ticket holders and $25 for non season ticket holders (Includes a buffet dinner, must be 21 to participate). Call the Falcons at (559) 485-PUCK for more details.

Tickets for all Falcons home games can be purchased at the Save Mart Center Box Office, by phone at (559) 485-8497, on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, or at any TicketMaster outlet. All Falcons' games air on 1550 Sporting News Radio starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show 15 minutes prior to face off.



ECHL Stories from February 14, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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