SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Prevail in OT, 2-1

December 12, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss. -- The Mississippi RiverKings (5-9-2) scored late in regulation to tie the game then again in overtime to soar past the Pensacola Ice Flyers (11-3-3) Friday night at the Landers Center. The win is the first one in four tries for the RiverKings against the Ice Flyers.

Goaltenders Max Strang for Pensacola and Peter Di Salvo for the RiverKings were pitching shutouts deep into the third period. Strang kept the game scoreless by stopping a Matt Whitehead breakaway late in the second to send the game to the third period 0-0. The teams were a combined 0-for-7 on the power play through two periods.

Pensacola finally got on the board with under four minutes to play in the third. After a point shot was blocked in traffic, Corey Banfield pounced on the loose puck and beat Di Salvo for a 1-0 lead with 3:40 left in regulation. Banfield had the game-winning goal against the RiverKings Dec. 7 in Pensacola when he scored with 1:58 to go in the third, so it appeared like history might repeat itself.

The RiverKings received a late power play when Daniel Sova took a tripping penalty with 2:10 left in regulation. On the ensuing power play and with the net empty for a 6-on-4 advantage Mike Hayward ripped a one-timer past Strang to pull even 1-1. Andrew Randazzo and Leo Thomas were given assists.

The game went to overtime, the third time the RiverKings have played past regulation this season. For the first time they would prevail when Bryon Paulazzo spun a shot from the right circle that glanced off Devin Mantha and past Strang for the overtime winner, 1:28 into overtime.

The RiverKings are back home Saturday, Dec. 13. for our Teddy Bear Toss to benefit Toys for Tots. Bring a new stuffed animal to toss onto the ice after the RiverKings first goal. Former Memphis Tiger and NFL star Isaac Bruce will be at the game Saturday. VIP tickets to meet Bruce before the game are available by calling the RiverKings front office at 662-342-1455. Single-game tickets can be purchased at riverkings.com/ticketmaster and groups of 15 or more get a discount by calling the front office.



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