News release
16 April 2009
Elmira, NY- The Elmira Jackals moved within one game of the North Division Finals with a 3-1 win over the Trenton Devils tonight at First Arena. Brandon Roach and Brendan Connolly each had two point nights while Elmira net minder Michael Teslak turned away 26 of 27 shots in the victory. The Jackals host the Devils on Saturday for game five of the best of seven series at 7:35 p.m. Get your tickets now at 734-PUCK.
The first period of tonights contest had the same blue print as last nights, a lone goal from Brandon Roach and a 1-0 Elmira lead. The Jackals killed off two Trenton power plays in the first period with a four big saves from Michael Teslak. The Jackals were granted three power plays of their own and again Brandon Roach would capitalize. At the 15:50 mark Brendan Connolly moved the puck to Colton Yellow Horn who sent a perfect one timer pass to Roach at the near blue line. Roach unleashed a slap shot that beat Trenton net minder Jeff Frazee low blocker for the only goal of the first frame.
The Jackals netted the only goal of the second period at 7:31. Again it was Brandon Roach at the blue line that sent a perfect pass back door to the cutting in, Brendan Connolly who tipped the puck past Frazee for the 2-0 lead. Josh Aspenlind also assisted on the play. Michael Teslak again held strong turning aside all five Trenton shots he faced in the second. The Devils looked to have pulled within one late in the second, but the goal was deemed no good as Dan Eves kicked the puck into the goal. The Jackals held a 17-16 shot advantage and a 2-0 lead after two periods played.
The third period would feature the first goal allowed by Elmira goalie Michael Teslak in over 139 minutes of action. (The last time Teslak was scored on was at the 10:43 mark of the third period in game number one when Tony Zancanaro gave the Devils a 4-3 lead.) Tonight the goal came at the 3:33 mark of the third period on the power play when Jim Henkel netted his first of the playoffs. Trevor Kell and Eric Castonguay assisted on the goal. The Devils would continue to pressure but Teslak turned aside every shot he faced in the remaining time. In a last minute effort the Devils pulled Frazee for the extra attacker, only to have Pierre-Luc Faubert poke in an empty netter, his fifth of the post season with 19 seconds to play. Chris Korchinski and Travis Gawryletz assisted on the play.
With the win the Jackals take the 3-1 series advantage and host Trenton on Saturday night for game number five at 7:35 p.m. With a win the Jackals move on to the North Division Finals.
TNA: Weiss Construction and Snap Fitness of Horseheads present: TNA Wrestling at First Arena tomorrow, Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. Dont miss the no holds barred, non stop excitement! com or by calling 734-PUCK.