Starkov Strike Not Enough For Jackals In 2-1 Setback

Published on October 12, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals struck first Friday night, but Kirill Starkov's goal in his Jackals debut would be the only offense for the home team in a 2-1 loss to Trenton in front of 2,628 fans at First Arena.

Starkov, reassigned by Columbus (NHL) to Elmira earlier in the day, capped off a rush with Martin Sagat 13:25 into the contest to give the Jackals their first lead of the preseason. Elmira out shot the visitors 15-6 in the opening period, heading to the first intermission with a 1-0 advantage.

The equalizer was set up by a Joe Grimaldi holding penalty 1:56 into the middle stanza followed eight second later by Luke Fritshaw's high sticking call. It was one of 11 shorthanded situations, and the first of three two-skater disadvantages, the home team would face on the night.

Trenton made short work of the 5-on-3 power play, scoring just eight seconds later on a point drive by Stephen Wood at 2:15 of the period.

Shots were at a premium in the second with each club registering five each.

The power play would factor into the game-winning tally with 5:58 remaining in regulation and the short a man for five minutes.

Jin Henkel was on the wrong of a Chaz Johnson hit in the corner of the Elmira zone and went down hard after the check. After several minutes, Henkel was able to regain his skates and make his way to the Devils bench. Already in the penalty box, but quickly dismissed, was Johnson. He picked up a boarding major and a game misconduct.

The Jackals penalty kill took what the Devils gave them and held the visitors at bay for most of the ensuing five-minute disadvantage, limiting Trenton to just three shots.

But the final of those three was the difference as Brad Mills roofed a close-in shot under the crossbar behind Robert Gherson (16 saves) with 2:12 to go in the game for the Devils first and only lead they would need.

Second-year pro David Caruso was solid in net with 35 saves for the Devils as Elmira held a substantial shots advantage on the night, 37-17.

The Jackals fall to 0-2 in the preseason and will close out the home portion of the warm-up slate with a 7:35 face off against the Devils at First Arena Saturday night. The preseason concludes with a trip to Reading Monday night (7 p.m.).

Tickets for Saturday's contest versus Trenton, as well as for all Jackals home games, are available on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, the Gray Street box office at First Arena (open at 10 a.m. Saturday), or by calling 722-3711.

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ECHL Stories from October 12, 2007


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