News release
7 March 2007
Flint, MI The Elmira Jackals leap-frogged the Port Huron Flags in the Eastern Conference standings with a 3-2 shootout win over the Flint Generals Wednesday night at Peranis Arena.
In the midst of their longest road trip of the season Elmira had two non-game days to prepare for their third game against Flint in the span of a week. The Jackals jumped to the lead midway through the first period when rookie defenseman Rob Chappell fired a backhand into the net for his first professional goal at 12:35, assisted by Joe Markusen. But Flint would equalize two minutes later at 14:31 when newly acquired forward Bogdan Rudenko found Jan Jas on the back post, also assisted by Bobby Reynolds, tying the game 1-1.
In the second period the Jackals created a lot of offensive chances, but were held off by Flint goaltender Jason Muzzatti. The Generals grabbed their first lead of the game when Jason Sellekes wrist shot at 7:56 found a small hole and snuck into the net, assisted by Shaun Fischer and Jan Jas.
Veteran defenseman Scott Drevitch tied the game 2-2 at 5:32 of the third period, assisted by Glenn Detulleo and Andrew Leach. Drevitch unleashed a slap shot from the point that zipped through the traffic in front of Muzzatti for a power play goal, Drevitch's 5th goal of the year. Elmira bombarded the Flint goal, out-shooting the Generals 13-8 in the final frame, but the goaltenders sent this game to a shootout.
In the shootout Erik Anderson put Elmira ahead in the first round, but was quickly matched by a goal from Flints Shawn Snider. Both goaltenders stopped the next two shooters they faced, Bobby Kukulka and Glenn Detulleo for Elmira and Bogdan Rudenko and Jan Jas for Flint. David Morelli put Elmira ahead 2-1 in the fourth round and at the other end Dave Lemanowicz denied Shaun Fisher to setup a dramatic 5th round attempt by Frank Littlejohn. Littlejohn won the game for the Jackals in the shootout with a backhand shot up under the crossbar, winning the shootout 3-1 and the game 3-2.
Dave Lemanowicz earned his 12th win of the season and 1st Star honors in the game as he made 27 saves on 29 shots in regulation and denied 3-of-4 shootout attempts, helping the Jackals improve to 26-35-1 on the season. Jason Muzzatti took the loss, stopping 34-of-36 shots in regulation and 2-of-5 in the shootout for Flint. Elmira was 1-for-7 on the power play; Flint was 0-for-5.
The Jackals will continue their road trip on Friday March 9, as they take on the Chicago Hounds for an 8:30 pm face off at the Sears Centre.