ECHL Reading Royals

Titans Edge Royals 2-1, Even Series at 1-1

Published on April 23, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA – Veteran forward Rick Kowalsky's power play goal with 1:08 remaining in the second period proved to be the game-winner, as Trenton downed Reading, 2-1, in front of 3,953 at the Sovereign Center. The best-of-five North Division Finals are now tied at one game apiece.

The Titans scored the game's first goal just 1:31 into the contest on a wraparound goal by forward B.J. Abel. It was an unassisted marker, as Abel carried the puck behind the Royals' net before stopping behind the cage and stuffing the puck past Reading goaltender Barry Brust (25 saves) on the short side. The goal was Abel's first point of the playoffs and it also was the fastest goal scored to open a contest by a Royals' opponent in the playoffs this season. Both teams had two chances on the power play in the frame, but failed to convert. The shots were 11-10 in favor of Trenton at the first intermission.

In the second period, Reading tied the match at 1-1, on a power play goal at 13:44 off the stick of defenseman Beau Geisler. Geisler ripped a shot from the left point through the screen of captain Cail MacLean that beat Trenton goaltender Andrew Allen (30 saves) high on the glove side. The Minnestoa-Duluth product's second goal of the postseason was assisted by forwards Graig Mischler and Eric Fortier.

Trenton captain Rick Kowalsky gave the visitors their second lead of the game with a five-on-three advantage goal at 18:52 of the period. Kowalsky dug out a loose puck out at the top of the crease and flipped a shot off the far post past Brust's glove hand and into the net. Defenseman Stephen Wood and forward Scott Bertoli assisted on Kowalsky's third goal and fifth point of the playoffs.

The shots were even at 19 apiece after 40 minutes of play, with the Titans maintaining their 2-1 advantage heading into the third period.

Neither team scored in the final stanza, despite the Royals firing 12 shots on goal. Reading finished with a 31-27 shot advantage for the game. Both teams netted a power play goal in the contest with the two sides combining for 13 man advantage opportunities.

The series now shifts to the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, New Jersey. Game three is on Wednesday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Royals hockey can be found locally on ESPN radio, 1240AM and via the Royals web site www.royalshockey.com courtesy of Sportsjuice and B2 Networks. Follow the Royals LIVE as they continue their quest for the Kelly Cup!

Royals Kelly Cup playoff tickets are now sale at the Sovereign Center Box Office or by calling Ticketmaster at 215-336-2000. The Sovereign Center Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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ECHL Stories from April 23, 2005


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