News release
17 March 2012
Elmira, N.Y. - Dustin Gazley scored a goal and added two assists to pull into a three-way tie for first place for the ECHL's scoring lead with 76 points as the Elmira Jackals (39-22-2-2) held off the Florida Everblades (33-25-2-5) for a 3-2 victory on Saturday night at First Arena. The Jackals can clinch a playoff spot on Sunday afternoon with a victory and a loss by the Chicago Express.
Elmira and Florida battled through a scoreless opening 40 minutes, with the Everblades outshooting the Jackals, 16-15, through the first two periods.
Mike Radja backhanded a loose puck off a scramble in front at 1:30 of the third period, beating John Muse stick side from the slot to give the Jackals the game's opening goal and a 1-0 lead.
Gazley drove the net and finished off a rebound off a shot by Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel at 2:46 of the third period, extending Elmira's edge to 2-0.
Cedric McNicoll, who scored twice on Friday night to lift the Everblades past the Jackals in the third, drove in a puck from the right goal line at 9:38 of the final frame, bringing Florida to within a goal, 2-1.
Corey Tamblyn, a rookie on an amateur tryout agreement after recently completing his career at Clarkson University (NCAA, D-I), pushed home his first professional goal at 12:52 of the final frame, increasing the Jackals' advantage to 3-1. It would prove to be the game winner.
David Fischer fired in a puck from the right point with Muse pulled at 18:50, making it a one-goal game, 3-2.
Timo Pielmeier (15-10-1-2) made 25 saves in the contest, helping the Jackals stave off a late charge by the Everblades. Muse (11-5-1-2) set aside 19 shots for the win.
The Jackals close out the weekend on Sunday afternoon at First Arena at 4:05 p.m, hosting the Wheeling Nailers. After the game, fans are invited to stick around and skate with the Jackals. com.
The Jackals extended their division lead to five points over the Nailers. Gazley is on a six-game point streak (2g-9a) and is tied with Greenville's Justin Bowers and Colorado's Chad Costello for the league scoring lead. Radja has goals in four-straight games (5g-1a).Chicago hosts the Trenton Titans on Sunday. The win was Elmira's 22nd by one goal this season. The Jackals won the season series over the Everblades with a 4-2-0-0 record