RiverKings Rally Late to Beat IceGators
November 26, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, La.--The Mississippi RiverKings were winless on the road entering Wednesday night's game against the Louisiana IceGators.
Their fortunes changed when they visited the Frozen Swamp.
The RiverKings took advantage of the IceGators' miscues and late lackadaisical play to score three unanswered goals in the third period and pull off a 3-1 victory.
The IceGators return to action Friday night when they face the Huntsville Havoc in the Cajundome. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
"We played great for 53 minutes, and then we suffered a colossal breakdown," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "I thought the guys battled hard and were playing the systems well, but in the last six-and-a-half minutes, the RiverKings had more will and fight than we did. Losing a game at home after having a 1-0 lead late is just unacceptable.
"At the end you have to be conscious of the time left on the clock; we weren't. A guy got out of the box and set up a breakaway because of it. We had multiple Grade-A opportunities, but we didn't execute. We need to find guys who will execute, and I will find those guys."
The IceGators took a 1-0 lead with 1:45 left in the second period when Jeremy Boyer tipped in a Kirk Byczynski shot from the point. Shawn McNeil, whose pass led to Byczynski's shot, also received credit for the assist.
The RiverKings roared back late in the third period.
Matt Harrington scored on a fast break with 6:58 left in regulation after taking a feed from Leo Thomas, who was returning to the ice following a penalty.
Eighty-three seconds later, Thomas scored an unassisted goal to put the RiverKings ahead 2-1.
Matt Whitehead scored an unassisted goal with 24 seconds left in the game to give Mississippi an extra insurance goal.
Omicioli says despite the disappointment, his players cannot dwell on this game for too long.
"It's a disheartening loss, but we have to get prepared for Huntsville," said Omicioli. "We'll let the guys enjoy Thanksgiving, but then we'll be back on the ice to prepare for this weekend's series."
SPHL Stories from November 26, 2014
- Three-Goal Third Period Gives RiverKings 3-1 Win - Mississippi RiverKings
- RiverKings Rally Late to Beat IceGators - Louisiana IceGators
- Face Off Field Trip Provides Experience, Funding for Local Schools - Mississippi RiverKings
- Rivermen's Carrier Signs AHL Deal - Peoria Rivermen
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