CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Stop Losing Streak with Win in Evansville

December 30, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


EVANSVILLE, IN --- Goaltender Alexander Pechurskiy stopped 31 of 32 shots and Matt Summers and Jeff Christian led the offense with a goal and an assist each as the Mississippi RiverKings stopped a three-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Evansville on Thursday, December 30th. The win drew the RiverKings within one game of .500 as they start the New Year in a home-and-home series with Bossier-Shreveport this weekend.

Evansville opened up the scoring quickly in the first period with a goal by Chris Campanale at 23 seconds of the contest. But, the RiverKings answered nearly three minutes later with a drive into the back of the net by Russell Smith at 3:06. The goal was Smith ‚¬â„¢s fourth goal of the year, as the teams were tied at 1-1 after one.

The RiverKings took control of the game in the second period with a pair of power play goals. Matt Summers scored first on the power play at 2:50 for a 2-1 RiverKings lead. The goal was Summers ‚¬â„¢ 12thh of the year and his eighth extra-man tally of the season. It would become the eventual game-winning goal, Summers ‚¬â„¢ second GWG of the year.

Jeff Christian scored the RiverKings ‚¬â„¢ third goal, also on the power play at 13:11 for a 3-1 lead, deflecting a play into the slot from Andrew Lackner. Summers also assisted on Christian ‚¬â„¢s eighth goal of the season and his fourth power play red-lighter.

In the final period, there was no scoring until Evansville pulled its goaltender and R.G. Flath scored an empty-net goal with 11 seconds remaining in the contest for the final 4-1 score.

Alexander Pechurskiy shook off the slow start in net and made 31 saves in posting the victory, his eighth of the season (8-5-0). Matt Lundin (8-9-4) took the loss in the crease for Evansville with a three-goal, 11 save effort before being hurt in the second period and was forced to leave the game. David Wilson wrapped up the contest with seven saves on seven shots on goal.

Mississippi was 2-for-6 on the power play and stopped all eight Evansville power play chances. With the win, the RiverKings moved to 14-15-1 for the season and dropped Evansville ‚¬â„¢s record to 10-15-5.

Up next, the RiverKings play at Bossier-Shreveport in a game scheduled to start at 7:05 PM on New Year ‚¬â„¢s Night, January 1st. Broadcast coverage will be available Sports 56, WHBQ-AM and www.sports56whbq.com with Bob Bakken providing the play-by-play.

The next home game for the RiverKings is Sunday afternoon, January 2nd at 3:05 PM in a re-match with the Mudbugs. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Memphis will be the game's non-profit MVP.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 30, 2010


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