GREENVILLE, SC – Today the Greenville Road Warriors wrap up a three-in-three home weekend with their final game of the season against the Elmira Jackals. The puck drops at 4:05 p.m. at the BI-LO Center.
RECAPPING THE ACTION:
3/5/11 – GRW 5 – ELM 3
In their first game against their former team, Wes Cunningham and Brendan Connolly teamed up to give the Road Warriors an early 1-0 lead over the Jackals. Cunningham took a shot from the high slot that ramped off the skate of Connolly and past Marco Cousineau for the lead at 5:26 of the first. The Road Warriors saw Elmira come back to tie it with A.J. Perry’s conversion of a rebound past Nic Riopel at 9:33 and the teams went to the intermission deadlocked. An early power play goal in the second by Michael Dubuc put Elmira in the lead for the first time, but it would not last thanks to Marc-Olivier Vallerand’s power play tally at 10:14 of the second. The game remained tied as it moved to the third period and from there the Road Warriors put the pedal down and distanced themselves from the Jackals. Riopel turned in some strong saves early in the frame to keep the game tied and from there the offense roared to life. Brandon Wong broke the tie with a tip-in goal at 13:47 then Sean Berkstresser scored the eventual game winner at 16:30 off of a net-front scramble. Justin Bowers added a power play goal for insurance with 31 seconds to play, but Elmira didn’t go away quietly and received a goal from Tristin Llewellyn with seven seconds remaining to set the final. Riopel posted 21 saves in picking up his 19th win of the season.
WHAT’S ON TAP FOR TONIGHT:
The Road Warriors welcome the Elmira Jackals tonight for the second of two meetings this season. Elmira has surged with new coach Robbie Nichols behind the bench after Malcolm Cameron was relieved of his duties last week. Nichols led the Jackals to wins in four of his first five games, but had a four-game win streak halted last night. The Road Warriors held the Jackals’ league-leading offense to just three goals and victimized their defense for five goals. It was the first time Elmira had been held to fewer than four goals in four games. Justin Donati is the catalyst to Elmira’s offense and ranks first in the league with 78 points (21G, 57A).
After a 2-for-8 effort on the power play last night, the Road Warriors are looking to build on that success and keep the power play going in the right direction. They come into this game with improved results on the man advantage and are 4-for-22 with a man up in their last five games. It was the first game with multiple power play goals for Greenville since its 4-3 shootout win over the Florida Everblades on February 5 at Germain Arena. The Road Warriors have the 13th-ranked power play in the league at 17.3 percent but are 17th at home on the PP with a 15.1 percent conversion rate.
In February, the Road Warriors showcased their ability to score late in games with 24 third-period goals and it helped them pick up eight wins, (three when trailing in the third) over the month. Greenville is tied for first in the league in third-period goals with 71 on the season. They also lead the league in first goals with 37 and have the fifth-best win percentage when scoring first (.771). Friday night’s win against Trenton was their fourth when trailing after two.
The Road Warriors are at home today to battle the Elmira Jackals on Sunday, March 6 at 4:05 p.m. Sunday’s game will be the last time you can join the Road Warriors on the ice for a post-game skating session. Admission to the ice is free and skates can be rented for $3 (dependent upon availability, fans are recommended to bring their own skates). Tickets are still available and groups of 10 or more qualify for discounts off of the box office price, preferred seating based on availability, and other great benefits. Call 864-674-PUCK to speak to a Road Warriors group sales representative.
