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Peoria Rivermen

Rivermen Nip Atlantic 2-1 in Overtime in Game Four of the Northern Division Semfinals

April 13, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release


Peoria, Ill. (April 13, 2004) – Marty Johnston stepped up this time, scoring his second goal of the postseason at 9:50 of the first overtime for a 2-1 series-clinching win Tuesday night over the defending Kelly Cup Champion Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies in Game Four of the Northern Division Semifinals before 1,963 at Carver Arena.

On a broken play in the right face-off circle, Johnston – with two players right in his face and in his shooting lane – slipped a low snap shot off a skate and through the legs of an assuming Atlantic City goaltender Scott Stirling.

The line of Johnston, Adam Edinger and rookie Garett Cameron combined for 15 points (6g, 9a) and a +18 plus/minus in the series. Edinger had two game-winning tallies and set up the series clincher.

Mike Valley, playing back-to-back games after not seeing game action since March 16, turned away 50 of 51 chances in the victory and 87 of 89 shots over both overtime wins.

Peoria (3-1, 6 points), who won last night 2-1 in overtime, extended its home winning streak to 11 games with the win. Atlantic City (1-3, 2 points) dropped its 13th of the season on the road.

Stirling turned away 31 of 33 in the loss.

The Boardwalk Bullies took a 1-0 lead with 4:51 left in the first period. Jimmy Henkel stole the puck just outside the Peoria zone and brought it back in on left wing. Henkel steered the puck to the near goal post, trying to shove it past Valley but was unsuccessful. Pierre-Luc Sleigher, following up the play, hammered at the puck twice and was able to slip it through Valley's legs for his second tally of the postseason.

Peoria tied the game 1-1 on a 5-on-3 power play at 7:33 of the second period. Rivermen Captain Trevor Baker took a pass in the high slot from Adam Edinger and rifled a rocket shot off the right goal post. The rebound, though, bounced of the back of Stirling and into the net. It was Baker's third goal of the playoffs.

There were nine power plays between the teams in the second period, five for Peoria and four for Atlantic City. The Rivermen were 1-for-6 with the man advantage in the game, while Atlantic City was 0-for-7.

There was no scoring in the third period.

The Rivermen advance to meet the winner of the Wheeling Nailers/Reading Royals Northern Division Semifinals series. Game times and locations for the Northern Division Finals will be released as soon as the outcome of the other series is determined.

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