Third Period Comeback Can't Stop Komets
Published on May 1, 2003 under United Hockey League (UHL)
Quad City Mallards News Release
Moline, IL â The Quad City Mallards came back from a 3-0 third-period deficit to tie Game 3 of the Colonial Cup Championship Series at three goals apiece, but Fort Wayne got the game-winner with 3:02 left in regulation for a 4-3 win, Thursday at The MARK of the Quad Cities.
The Komets lead the Mallards in the best-of-seven series, 2 games to 1, with Game 4 at The MARK Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
The Mallards are usually the team to capitalize on odd bounces in the corners, but they were victimized in the first period when a puck that appeared headed behind the Quad City goal caromed off the outside of the net. Dustin Virag pounced on it for a 1-0 Komets lead at 12:46 of the first period. Sean Venedam made it 2-0 before intermission. Adam Lewis scored on a one-timer for a 3-0 Fort Wayne edge 1:04 into the second period.
The Mallards showed tremendous energy in mounting a dramatic third-period comeback. Rookie center Tony Lawrence scored on a rebound at the 1:12 mark. Another rookie center, Jon Francisco, one-timed a pass from right wing J.F. Dufour two minutes later to cut the margin to 3-2. The tying goal came with 8:42 left in regulation. Defenseman Tom Menicci's blast from the point was stopped by goaltender Tom Lawson, but right wing Nick Ganga, in just his second game of the playoffs, flipped in the rebound.
Lewis stole a puck deep in the Mallards zone and backhanded it past netminder Jeff Reynaert for the game-winning goal with 3:02 remaining in the third period.
The Mallards had two 5-on-3 advantages in the second period, and with the empty net went 6-on-3 for the final 28 seconds, but wound up 0-for-8 on power plays against the league's best penalty killing team.
Game 4 of the best-of-seven Colonial Cup Championship Series is this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at The MARK of the Quad Cities. It's Whiteout Night presented by Fairfield Inn & Q106.5 FM. The first 5,000 fans will receive white pom-poms, courtesy of Fairfield Inns in Moline and Davenport. Fans are encouraged to wear white to support the Mallards. Defenseman Rick Emmett, a member of the 1997 and 1998 Mallards championship teams, will make the ceremonial pre-game puck drop. Tickets are available at The MARK box office, at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (563) 326-1111, and online by following the Tickets link at www.qcmallards.com. Saturday's Game 4 and Sunday's Game 5 in Fort Wayne will be broadcast live on Q106.5 FM and on www.qcmallards.com.
United Hockey League Stories from May 1, 2003
- Third Period Comeback Can't Stop Komets - Quad City Mallards
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