Evansville, Ind. – The Evansville IceMen prevailed victorious against Toledo on Sunday night at the Ford Center, ending the Walleye four-game winning streak. Beginning a winning streak of their own, the IceMen won both games at home this weekend and took all four possible points from visiting opponents.
IceMen Center Dylan Clarke was polished for Evansville, scoring the eventual game-winning goal that came early in the third period. The converted left winger centers a productive line as of late that also consists of Left Winger Josh Beaulieu and Right Winger Dan Gendur. In the two IceMen home victories in as many nights, the trio has accounted for nine points (3G, 6A). Clarke was voted the game’s first star in his third game with the IceMen.
Evansville Goaltender Allen York made his Ford Center debut on Sunday, stopping 36-of-38 shots faced. York’s .947 save percentage earned him the third star of the game consideration.
The IceMen scored the game’s first goal for the second consecutive game when Defenseman Sean Whitney scored the first goal of his professional career. The hard-fought goal in the crease came 9:48 into the first period and was assisted by Beaulieu and Clarke. Whitney lead Evansville with a +2 rating against Toledo.
Evansville’s 1-0 lead stood until the 5:58 point of the second period when IceMen Center Nathan Moon split the wickets for the fifth time this season. Earning his first point as a member of the IceMen was Left Winger Stefan Della Rovere, assisting on the marker that gave Evansville the 2-0 advantage. Della Rovere was voted the game’s second star with one point (1A) and a +1 rating.
The two-goal lead lasted a mere 26 seconds after Toledo Right Winger Travis Novak scored his second goal of the season. The assists on the first Walleye goal of the game were from Toledo Left Winger Terry Broadhurst and Right Winger Luke Glendening.
Evansville’s shortened lead was extended 4:25 into the third period by Clarke, whose make something out of nothing shot found its way between Toledo Goaltender Jordan Pearce’s legs. Clarke’s eventual game-winning goal was assisted by Defensemen Daniel Tetrault and Derek Foam. Foam’s assist was his first point with the IceMen.
Evansville’s reestablished two-goal lead was once again minimized by the Walleye. Toledo Left Winger Randy Rowe put the Walleye right back into it with a goal at the 7:11 mark of the third period. The lone assist on the goal was credited to Left Winger Andrej Nestrasil.
The Walleye applied pressure on the IceMen in the third period, outshooting the home team 16-6. The total game output of shots on goal favored Toledo, 38-29. The IceMen have now compiled six of their eight victories while being outshot by opponents. Evansville entered the third period with a 2-1 lead, and are now (7-1-1) when leading after two periods this season.
For the second consecutive night, neither team could come up with a power play goal on their respective opportunities. Evansville’s man advantage went 0-for-1 on Sunday, going 0-for-2 on the weekend. Toledo’s power play went 0-for-3 against Evansville. The IceMen penalty killing unit has stymied all four opponent power plays in their last two home games.
The losing goaltender was Toledo’s Pearce. Saving 26-of-29 shots, Pearce compiled a .897 save percentage.
The previous matchup between the two teams resulted in a 4-1 Evansville victory on Nov. 3 in Toledo. The IceMen are now 2(2-0-0)4 against the North Division-leading Walleye.
Evansville improves its record to 23(8-14-1)17 on the season with the win on Sunday. Toledo declines to 22(13-8-1)27.
The IceMen travel to Cincinnati on Wednesday, Dec. 5 to face the Cyclones for the third time in five games. The game is scheduled to start at 6:35 CST. Coverage can be heard on the flagship station of the IceMen, ‘Magic 98.5’ FM and 1400 AM WEOA, as well as the IceMen Radio Network.
