Rivermen Game Notes at Pensacola
Published on May 5, 2016 under SPHL (SPHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release
CAN I BUY A VOWEL?
Sunday's Game 2 Rivermen loss to Pensacola included the third goal of the postseason by veteran defenseman Dave Pszenyczny, giving him the team-lead in goals this postseason. During the regular season, Pszenyczny earned second-team All-SPHL honors after scoring 11 goals and 16 assists in just 36 games after joining the Rivermen lineup January 1.
A STU-PENDOUS POSTSEASON
Sunday's game also included the team-best fifth assist for Rivermen forward Adam Stuart, giving him a team-high seven points for the playoffs. During the regular season, Stuart posted a team-high 44 points on 21 goals and 23 assists in 54 games and finished the season with 99 goals in his professional career.
PERFECT PENALTY KILLERS
The Rivermen enter play tonight as one of three SPHL teams this postseason without a power-play goal against after holding Pensacola 0-for-10 with a man advantage this series after the Ice Flyers finished the regular season third in the league with a 16.05% powerplay conversion rate. For the regular season, Peoria's PK unit finished at 85.7%, good for fourth in the SPHL, and Peoria's Alec Hagaman lead all SPHL skaters this season with four short-handed goals.
BACKS TO THE WALL
The Rivermen come into tonight's game facing elimination for the second time this postseason. Peoria lost its first playoff game 3-2 at Macon May 13, and responded by winning back-to-back games to beat the Mayhem before they won two straight to sweep the Fayetteville FireAntz in their semi-final series. The last time a Rivermen team played in championship series was during the 2000 ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs, the Rivermen went down 0-2 in games at Carver Arena before reeling off three straight wins in Louisiana and coming home to clinch the Kelly Cup in Peoria.
WHAT'S AHEAD
After tonight's game, barring a Pensacola win, the Rivermen and Ice Flyers will play Game 4 Friday in Pensacola, and if the series is tied 2-2 after four games, the Rivermen and Ice Flyers will play a decisive Game 5 Monday in Peoria.
SPHL Stories from May 5, 2016
- Rives to Depart RiverKings After 14 Years - Mississippi RiverKings
- Rivermen Game Notes at Pensacola - Peoria Rivermen
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