Sea Wolves Clinch Playoff Berth, Swamp IceGators 7-2
March 27, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Mississippi Sea Wolves News Release
LAFAYETTE, La. â Jay Legault notched two goals and an assist to lead Mississippi past the Louisiana IceGators 7-2 at the Cajundome and help the Sea Wolves qualify for the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the seventh time in nine seasons.
"Making the playoffs was the first goal that we wanted to accomplish as a team this season," Mississippi coach Bob Woods said. "Now we want to maintain a high level of play heading into the postseason. We had a good week winning all three games and we want to continue to roll."
Mississippi (36-22-6, 78 points) lit the lamp at the 3:23 mark of the first period. Mike Martone unleashed a shot from the right circle beating goaltender Lance Mayes, who made his Louisiana debut after being acquired off waivers earlier in the week. Martone's third goal of the year was assisted by Lucas Drake.
Late in the opening stanza, the Sea Wolves broke in on a 3-on-1 break. Drake sailed a wrist shot past Mayes blocker with seven seconds left in the period to notch his sixth goal of the season. Darryl Campbell and Mike Jarmuth were awarded helpers.
In the second, Mississippi took command of the game scoring three times. At 4:18 of the second, Legault netted his 16th goal of the season depositing a rebound set up by Chris Cava and Travis Lisabeth.
Legault went back to work and busted in on a breakaway tallying his second of the night and 17th of the campaign at 9:36. Nick Greenough and Milt Mastad collected assists.
The Sea Wolves added to their lead on the power-play at 11:20. Lisabeth found the back of the net for a third consecutive game and his 21st goal of the season. Helpers went to Jarmuth and Legault. That goal spelled the end for Mayes, who was replaced by Nathan Marsters in net for the IceGators.
Mississippi continued to pour on the offense in the third. On a 5-on-3 power-play, John Evangelista scored his seventh of the year set up by Mastad and Stephen Greeley at 11:00.
Just eight seconds later, Anthony Battaglia slapped a shot from the slot to find the back of the net for his team-leading 25th goal of the campaign. Campbell registered the lone helper for his second assist of the game.
Louisiana (22-37-6, 50 points) sniper Wes Mason solved goaltender Phil Sauve, who was making the 200th appearance of his five-year professional career, by potting his team-leading 30th of the season at 12:56 of the third. Chris Thompson and Jim Shepherd had helpers.
IceGators' Patrik Nilson scored 20 seconds later to make it a five-goal game, but that would round out the scoring. Assists were garnered by Alex Sawruk and Jade Galbraith.
Mississippi converted on 3-of-9 power play chances, while Louisiana went 0-for-4. Sea Wolves outshot the IceGators 31-30.
Additional note: Sea Wolves' Bates Battaglia appeared in the 550th professional game of his eight-year career.
Mississippi returns home for its next game at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday against the Texas Wildcatters at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.
Individual tickets for Tuesday's game can be purchased at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling (228) 385-2600 and online at ticketmaster.com.
Watch the live web telecast for $6, courtesy of B2 Networks, online at msseawolves.com. Listen live on flagship radio station WGCM-AM 1240, or online at msseawolves.com, courtesy of Teamline. The pregame show gets underway 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off.
Flex packs, discounted groups tickets, birthday packages and fundraiser opportunities are available by calling (228) 275-WOLF or online at msseawolves.com.
Season ticket packages for 2005-06, the 10th Anniversary Season of the Sea Wolves, are on sale now by calling (228) 275-WOLF. Ask about the "Early Bird Special."
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