Roadrunners Close 2005 With 7-3 Loss

by Andrew Nordmeier
Published on January 1, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Phoenix RoadRunners


The Fresno Falcons scored five power-play goals in eight chances en route to a 7-3 stomping of the Phoenix Roadrunners Saturday night at America West Arena. The game wasn't as close as the final score indicated as Fresno was up 5-0 heading into the third period and dealt Phoenix its fourth straight loss.

"That was just painful to watch and embarrassing for our fans. It's that simple," Phoenix Head Coach Ron Filion said.

The pain started when Shawn Weiman (at 2:47), Fraser Clair (13:14) and John Wroblewski (16:52) all beat Roadrunner starting netminder Michael Mole in the first period to give Fresno a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes. Clair's goal came on the power play while the other two were even strength.

Fresno (15-4-8) pounded two more power play goals down the Roadrunners' throats in the second period to make it 5-0 and force a goaltending change. Cory Murphy and Shawn Mather converted for the Falcons on both halves of a two-man advantage. Murphy scored at 12:07 and Mather scored 64 seconds later. That spelled the end of the night for Mole and Mathieu Chouinard made a relief appearance.

The Roadrunners (9-17-2) showed a sign of life when they scored a couple goals in the first seven minutes of the final period from Jason Deskins and Garrett Burnett and cut the lead to 5-2. Fresno countered with two more power-play strikes, another one by Murphy and one by Rob McFeeters to re-establish the five-goal lead at 7-2 with 3:53 left. The late goals made it four games in a row where Phoenix has allowed five goals or more and six of its last seven.

"We're getting exactly what we deserve which is no points (in the standings)," Filion said.

The lone Phoenix highlight of the evening came on its last goal. Off of a scrum in front of Fresno goaltender Brett Jaeger, Mark Wires stuffed the puck home with 1:56 remaining. The highlight was Phoenix captain Dean Tiltgen getting an assist on the play and his 400th career point.

Phoenix finished 0-for-3 on the power play and was outshot by Fresno 39-28. Jaeger, an All-Star goaltender picked up the win to improve to 12-3-6 while Mole was saddled with the loss and drops to 5-13-2.

It'll be interesting to see how Phoenix responds to a weak effort at home in this game.

"Tomorrow we're going to practice which is very rare when you play three (games) in three (nights)," Filion said, "They took off tonight so we'll make them work tomorrow morning."

These two teams meet again on New Years' Day at 5pm at America West Arena.

Three Stars

3. Tiltgen-PHX 400th career point

2. Mather-FRE Goal and two assists for Fresno

1. Murphy-FRE Two power-play goals and an assist.

Notes: Ben Knopp made his first appearance for Phoenix since tearing both of his medial collateral ligaments in his knees on October 29th...Miguel Lafleche returned to the Phoenix lineup after missing nine games...Phoenix allowed the first goal for the ninth straight game...The Roadrunners wore their alternate third jerseys in this game; it now makes six different jerseys that Roadrunner netminders have worn this season...Defenseman Brent Henley changed his jersey number from 11 to 43 while forward Garrett Burnett swapped his 5 for 55...Attendance was 4,281.

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