RiverKings Come Back to Beat IceGators in Overtime
March 13, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, Louisiana -The Louisiana IceGators could not deliver a birthday victory for head coach Kevin Kaminski. Despite a three-goal flurry in the second period which gave them the lead, the IceGators gave up two late goals, including an overtime score, in a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to the Mississippi Surge. Chevan Wilson scored the game-winner 93 seconds into the extra frame via assists from Ken Selby and Leland Fidler.
"I thought we played very well, especially after the first," said Kaminski. "I thought we were sluggish early on, but I thought we came out hot late. Our feet were moving, and our execution with the puck was better. We capitalized on our opportunities, and our defense played well tonight." Kaminski, however, did find fault with some of his team's play. "The third goal came when we were in control of the game," he said. "We decided to make a backhand pass in the (defensive) zone, and it landed on a RiverKing's tape. All we needed was a simple play, but we did that and gave up a goal." Kaminski added, "In the first period, we had a two-on-one opportunity and a few other entries. In the two-on-one, we didn't even get a shot off. You only get a few odd-man rushes. You have to execute and make them count."
Justin MacDonald gave Mississippi a 1-0 lead midway through the first period. The IceGators came alive in the second, scoring three goals in the frame. Tyler Lyon and Robert Short gave the IceGators a 2-1 lead before the RiverKings tied the game on a Darrell Stoddard powerplay score late in the period. Louisiana regained the lead with seven seconds left in the period on a Shawn McNeil powerplay goal. Both teams played strong defense for most of the third period. However, Mississippi was able to break through and tie the game again. Matt Whitehead scored off of a Mark Magnowski assist with 5:25 remaining in regulation to send the match into overtime. Wilson sealed the game for the RiverKings on the second shot of the extra period.
Kaminski says his team must finish the regular season strong. He feels the next two weeks are favorable for his team to accomplish this goal. "Our scheduling is great," Kaminski stated. When you look at it, we should be well rested, and we should be hungry. There's no reason not to empty the tank every shift. We need a `whatever it takes' attitude to get the win."
The IceGators host their final home game of the season Friday night when they take on the Huntsville Havoc. That game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 P. M. IceGator playoff tickets go on sale Friday. Visit www.icegators.com for more information.
SPHL Stories from March 13, 2012
- Ice Flyers Score First but Lose Tough Battle - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Surge Victorious Over RiverHawks in a Shootout - Augusta RiverHawks
- RiverKings Come Back to Beat IceGators in Overtime - Louisiana IceGators
- 'Kings Get Revenge; Beat Louisiana 4-3 - Mississippi RiverKings
- The Results Are in - Fans Elect 'Kings - Mississippi RiverKings
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