News release
11 October 2007
Rob LaLonde's power play goal with 16.4 seconds left in the second period turned out to be the difference as Reading skated past the Elmira Jackals 2-1 in the preseason opener Thursday night at First Arena.
The Royals struck first just under seven minutes into the contest as Dany Roussin, stationed in the deep slot, snapped a quick drive from in close past Jackals goaltender Dan LaCosta for a 1-0 advantage.
Both clubs struggled on the power play in the opening period, each going 0-for-4, while the Jackals held the edge in shots 11-9.
The man advantage boosted the visitors late in the middle frame as Elmira's Justin Chwedoruk was called for a hook. With the period winding down, LaLonde moved to the high slot and wired a screened wrister past LaCosta for a 2-0 lead.
That lead would stand, but the Jackals made it interesting in the late going.
LaCosta was pulled for an extra attacker with just over a minute to go as Elmira began buzzing in the enemy zone.
Great pressure down low created a crowd around the Royals net. A drive to the net by Luke Stauffacher created a rebound for Mike McLean. McLean wasted little time as he rammed it home to cut the lead down to a single goal with 55.3 seconds showing on the clock.
On the night, the Royals clicked on just one of their 11 power play chances, but it was the one that mattered. The Jackals took the collar on the man-up, going 0-for-9. Reading held the edge in shots at the final horn, 32-27.
The Jackals are back on First Arena ice tomorrow night and Saturday to face the Trenton Devils both nights. Face-off is 7:35 p.m. for both games with good seats still available. ticketmaster.com or by visitng the First Arena box (Gray Street) beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.