News release
30 March 2007
Rockford, IL The Rockford IceHogs scored six goals in the third period to earn a 8-1 win and to eliminate the Elmira Jackals from the post season Friday night at the Rockford Metrocentre.
Coming into a must-win situation against Rockford the Jackals knew they would have to face an intensely energetic IceHogs squad that traditionally has a fast start at home. Elmira not only handled their hosts pressure, but actually raised the bar. The Jackals created three scoring chances in the opening minute of play, but hit a speed bump when Bruce Watson scored on Rockfords first shot of the game. Watson took a pass from Preston Mizzi in the slot and threw a shot on goal that found a way through goaltender Dave Lemanowicz at 2:02. But the Jackals pulled back to level terms at 9:48 when defenseman Joe Markusen poked in his own rebound. Markusens goal, assisted by Mike Oliveira and Yevgeny Lazarev, tied the game and was his first goal since coming to Elmira via trade with Kalamazoo in early March.
Rockford turned up the heat on Elmira in the second period, bombarding goaltender Dave Lemanowicz early on. The Jackals weathered the storm and created some offense, only to give up a goal on a counter attack. Moments after Frederic Cloutier denied a Jackals attack, defenseman Luke Fritzshaw jumped into the offense on a 3-on-2 break and cranked a shot into the net at 9:37, assisted by Mizzi and Kaleb Betts, giving Rockford a 2-1 lead.
The third period was all IceHogs as they set a team high for goals scored in the third periods this season. Bruce Watson scored his 2nd goal of the game at 1:50, Bryce Cockburn scored at 3:19, then Watson completed his hat trick with a power play goal at 3:54 and Mizzi scored at 4:26, giving Rockford a 6-1 lead in under five minutes. After Mizzis goal Dave Lemanowicz was relieved by Zach Sikich in the Elmira goal, but Sikich could not stop the bleeding. Jason Notermann scored at 9:45 and then Erik Lizon scored his first professional goal at 14:42 to complete the IceHogs third period rout.
Frederic Cloutier earned the win in goal for Rockford, stopping 27-of-28 shots to help improve the IceHogs to 44-21-6 on the year. Dave Lemanowicz took the loss in 44:26 of action, making 28 saves on 34 shots. Zach Sikich played the final 15:34 for Elmira, blocking 7-of-9 shots as the Jackals dropped to 27-44-1 on the year and tying a season-high 8-game losing streak.
The Jackals again square up with Rockford for an 8:30 pm EDT face off on Saturday March 31st at the Rockford Metrocentre. Elmiras next home game comes on Wednesday April 4th for a 7:05 pm face off with the Port Huron Flags at First Arena.