Ice even series with Fargo

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – After a defensive struggle in Game 1, Game 2 looked to be an enigma. Questions surround the styles of these two teams. Would Indiana be able to play their high scoring offensive game, or would Fargo prevail once again in shutting down their opponent for the eighth time in a row? The Ice trailed the Force 1-0 heading into the second game of the best-of-five series, and needed to gain momentum in their favor if they desired not to be facing a sweep in Fargo Wednesday night. Aggression would prevail throughout the first period. Both teams would collect numerous penalties, and most of them were assessed during some fisticuffs at 10:38. Indiana would receive three penalties – elbowing and two calls for roughing. Fargo would receive two calls for roughing as well. While the bulk of the assessments occurred at the same time, each team would skate on the power play once in the opening period but to no avail. Stanislav Galiev would open the scoring in the second period to put Indiana up 1-0 at the 12:27 mark. Not to be overshadowed, Fargo would tie the game 30 seconds later as Matt Leitner scored his first of the Clark Cup Finals to tie the game at one apiece. The game would remain tied until 16:15 when John Parker scored for the Ice to take a 2-1 lead into the second intermission. The third period would be the toughest period of the playoffs for the Fargo Force. After allowing two goals to Indiana earlier in the third period, Andy Taranto scored with the extra attacker while on the power play at 15:13 to get the Force with two at 4-2. However the period would belong to the Ice. Indiana would take the commanding lead before the sixth minute mark after back-to-back goals by Grant Blakey at 5:42 and Sebastian Geoffrion at 5:51. Geoffrion would finish the game an assist short of the Gordie Howe hat trick (G, A, and fight) with a fight in the second period and his goal in the third. Indiana would ice the cake to take a 5-2 lead on the power play at 18:04 when Brandon Richardson scored after an elbowing call to Force forward Matt Leitner. With the win, the Ice tie the series up at a game apiece. Game 3 will be in Fargo, North Dakota Wednesday evening at 7:05. The loss is the first ever in the playoffs for the Force who swept their West Division opponents in rounds one and two. Schedule and Results (Series tied 1-1) Game One – Fargo 2, Indiana 1 Game Two – Indiana 5, Fargo 2 Game Three – Wednesday, May 6, 2009 @ 7:05 at Fargo Game Four – Friday, May 8, 2009 @ 7:05 at Fargo, if necessary Game Five – Sunday, May 10, 2009 @ 5:05 at Indiana, if necessary You may contact the author at: john.strathman@prohockeynews.com