Ft. Wayne Komets vs. Evansville IceMen
Ford Center – Jan. 16, 2013 – 7:15 p.m.
COACH’S CORNER – FT. WAYNE KOMETS: http://bit.ly/10cnT9q
The Evansville IceMen (15-21-4; 34) are set to host three straight North Division opponents at the Ford Center, starting with the second place Fort Wayne Komets (21-17-2; 44) on Wednesday night. The IceMen are coming off their first overtime victory of the season after knocking off the Elmira Jackals on Saturday, and are in pursuit of improving upon their (4-1-1) record in January. The Komets come to town off a close victory against the first place Cincinnati Cyclones, looking to avenge two straight defeats to Evansville. The IceMen are (2-2-1) against Ft. Wayne this season.
LAST RESULT:
EVA: Saturday, Jan. 11- W @ Elmira, 4-3
Game Sheet: http://echl.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=10043
Brief Recap: Aaron Gens lead the IceMen to their first road win of the new year. Gens lead the game in scoring with a 4- point effort 4(1-3) The IceMen came away with a 4 game unbeaten streak. With the victory tonight, the IceMen climb into sole possession of 4th place the North Division of the Eastern Conference. The IceMen defeat the Elmira Jackals 4-3 in overtime.
IceMen leading scorer Josh Beaulieu scored the game winning goal just 0:38 into overtime after Aaron Gens forced a turnover and was able to get the pass off to Beaulieu. Beaulieu got a one-timer off from the top of slot that would give the IceMen the win and their first overtime win of the season. The IceMen are now 1-1-3 when the game extends beyond regulation.
FTW: Sunday, Jan. 13- W vs Cincinnati, 3-2
Game Sheet: http://echl.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=10054
LAST MEETING:
Saturday, Jan. 9- FTW 1 @ EVA 4
Game Sheet: http://echl.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=10026
Brief Recap: The Evansville IceMen won their third straight game at home on Wednesday as they handled their arch rival Ft. Wayne Komets at the Ford Center. The IceMen were strong defensively, prepping for a late offensive push that put three goals in-net in the third period. With the win, Evansville has now received six-of-eight possible points to start the new calendar year.
IceMen Goaltender Paul Dainton provided for another one-goal outing by the home town club, saving 29-of-30 shots faced on his way to a .967 save percentage. Dainton accounted for what may be considered the turning point of the game 13:30 into the second period when he stifled the Komets flurry of shots near the crease. The IceMen gained momentum at that point as they owned puck possession for the majority of the remainder of regulation. Dainton was voted the game’s second star. Dainton is now (2-5-1) on the season.
IceMen Right Winger Kevin Baker became the owner of the game-winning goal for the second consecutive game, with this one coming 5:27 into the third period. Baker’s 11th goal of the season gave the IceMen a 2-0 lead and was assisted by IceMen Center Todd Robinson and Left Winger Josh Beaulieu. Robinson, on his way to the first star of the game honor, assisted on the game-winner. The IceMen team captain later added a second assist, finishing the game with two assists and a +1 rating.
EVA Leading Scorers:
LW Josh Beaulieu- 34pts. (15G,19A)
C Todd Robinson- 32pts. (2G,30A)
C Nathan Moon- 26pts. (12G,14A)
LW Dylan Clarke- 26pts. (12G,14A)
FTW Scoring Leaders:
C Brett N. Smith- 29pts. (8G,21A)
D Daniel Maggio- 15pts. (4G,11A)
F Matt Firman- 14pts. (7G,7A)
C Eric Giosa- 13pts. (8G,5A)
THE NUMBERS:
EVA is (10-9-3) vs North Division opponents
FTW is (14-12-1) vs North Division opponents
EVA is (5-4-1)11 in their last 10 games
FTW is (6-4-0)12 in their last 10 games
EVA is (10-12-0) at home
FTW is (11-6-2) on road
ECHL Today: http://echl.com/echl-today-jan-16-p181344
Komets’ Tyler Butler is tied for second among defensemen with 97 SOG.
Todd Robinson leads the IceMen against Ft. Wayne with 6pts. (6A).
Ft. Wayne is (13-4-1) when scoring the first goal.
Evansville is (13-2-3) when leading after two periods.
