RiverKings Edge Peoria, 2-1 on Saturday
November 3, 2013 - SPHL (SPHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release
Goaltender Dan McWhinney made 42 saves on 43 shots, while forward Matt Whitehead netted the game-winner less than two minutes into the third to lead the Mississippi RiverKings past the Peoria Rivermen, 2-1 on Saturday at Carver Arena.
After starting the season with two straight wins, the loss drops Peoria to 2-2-0-0 in their first SPHL season. Starting goaltender Russ Stein went the distance in his third appearance of the year, but suffered the defeat after allowing two goals on 35 shots.
The first period was an offensive struggle as neither team found the back of the net in the first 20 minutes. It wasn't for a lack of chances, however, as Peoria failed to score on three power play opportunities.
Mississippi broke the scoreless tie at 5:11 of the first period courtesy of veteran Leo Thomas. The 11th year pro center ripped a slap shot from the left side, which went top shelf past Stein for a 1-0 score. Whitehead and Todd Hosmer each assisted on the goal.
The game turned physical towards the end of the second period and resulted in a near fight between Cole Ruwe and Charles Lachance with five minutes left in the frame. Three minutes later, defenseman Matt Smyth was called for tripping, which created Peoria's sixth power play of the game. The Rivermen pounced on the opportunity and evened the game at the 19:27 mark, when center Nick Prockow passed to Tyler Fernandez at the top of the right circle, who then found Nick Wheeler for a one-time goal.
The RiverKings regained the lead at 1:55 of the third period on the power play and never looked back. From the top of the point, Hosmer unloaded on a slap shot that was initially saved by Stein, but the puck trickled through the netminder's pads and Whitehead was there to knock it home.
A relentless attack in the final minutes of the game by the Rivermen kept it exciting down to the wire, but Peoria never found the equalizer. Following a hooking minor to Smyth at the 17:46 mark, Stein was pulled with 1:13 to play which created a 6-on-4 chance for the Rivermen. Peoria however notched just one shot on goal during the final minute.
Peoria finished the game 1-for-7 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill. The Rivermen also controlled the shot count, 43-35.
SPHL Stories from November 3, 2013
- Peppler Pushes IceGators Past Pensacola - Louisiana IceGators
- RiverKings Edge Peoria, 2-1 on Saturday - Peoria Rivermen
- IceGators Blank IceFlyers on the Road - Louisiana IceGators
- Mississippi Surge Uses Shootout to Best Huntsville, 4-3 (3-1 SO) - Mississippi Surge
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