Weekend Preview
April 28, 2016 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Philadelphia Rebels News Release
Based off the sixteen game regular season between these two teams, the best of five divisional series will be close. The Rebels won 10 of the 16 games (Rebels have a 6 - 2 record at home and 4 - 4 on the road). Despite winning six more games, the goal differential was only seven (Rebels scored 51 goals compared to Johnstown's 44). Each team had a respective shutout and only won game was a complete blowout (8 - 2 win by Johnstown).
Johnstown Preview
The East Division's number three seed Tomahawks swept the second seed New Jersey Titans in dramatic in game three when the Hawks Anthony Parrucci scored with nineteen seconds left in the game to tie the game at one. Then Logan Hudson beat Titans goalie Jack Berry with a backdoor goal with four minutes into overtime giving the Tomahawks their first ever series win. Johnstown was led by Casey Linkenheld's four points (three goals and one assist) and Andrew Romano and Luke Lynch's three points each. Linkenheld also leads the team with a +5 +/- ratio. Luke Lynch leads the team with 16 penalty minutes. Netminder Andrew Lingren was between the pipes for all three games. He had a 1.31 goals against average and .939 save percentage.
Rebels Preview
The East Division's number one seed Rebels beat the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights three games to none. Game two was pivotal when the Rebels were down 2 - 0 heading into the third period and then score three goals in 2:19 minutes. Although he missed a game for personal reasons, forward Ryan Cusin had four points (1 goal and 3 assists) in two games. Michael Merulla led the team in goals with three. Dean Balsamo and Frank Spellman each had three points (one goal and two assists). Dom Garcia had the best +/- ratio with a +6 while defenseman Gvido Jansons led the team in penalty minutes with six. Darion Hanson was in goal for all three games. He had a 1.67 goals against average and a .937 save percentage.
Round 2 - Divisional Final Schedule
Game 1: Friday, April 29, Johnstown at Aston, 7:00pm
Game 2: Saturday, April 30, Johnstown at Aston, 7:00pm
Game 3: Friday, May 6, Aston at Johnstown, 7:30pm
Game 4: Saturday, May 7, Aston at Johnstown, 7:30pm*
Game 5: Sunday, May 8, Johnstown at Aston, 6:00pm*
* If necessary
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North American Hockey League Stories from April 28, 2016
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- Sammy Steele Makes D1 Commitment - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
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- Souto Receives 2016 NAHL Community Service Award - Bismarck Bobcats
- Bindulis Named to 2015-16 All-NAHL Team - Philadelphia Rebels
- NAHL Announces 2015-16 Season Awards - NAHL
- Shepard Named NAHL Goaltender of the Year, All-NAHL Goalie - Bismarck Bobcats
- LaFontaine Named Coach of the Year, Goodsir Named Rookie of the Year - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Strong Recognized with Leadership Award - Topeka Pilots
- South Division Finals Preview - Topeka Pilots
- Weekend Preview - Philadelphia Rebels
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