ELMIRA, NY – The Elmira Jackals waited until there was 3:43 left in the game to finally take a lead against the Royals in the ECHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals but it was worth the wait as the Jackals scored four unanswered goals and lived to play another day with a 5-2 win over the Reading Royals in Game Three.
The Royals still lead the series 2-1 but failed to put away one of their arch nemesis, a team that lead the league with 45 wins during the regular season.
The Royals held two separate one goal leads in the game but as with Game One neither team could score on the power play as both team went 0-2 on the night. The only trend that did get broken was that Reading finally outshot Elmira in a period outshooting the Jackals 11-10 in the third period. That said, Elmira outshot the Royals for the third straight game (33-20). If that trend continues, it will be Reading looking at an early exit from the playoffs. Royals goaltender Mark Owuya once again had to have a great night in net stopping making 28 saves on 33 shots but the defense broke down in front of him in the third period. Mike Radja scored twice for Elmira earning the nights first star with Nick Dineen ended as the second star and Craig Rivet the third with both having a goal and a assist. Elmira scored three goals 2:43 apart in the third with Rob Bellamy adding a goal with one minute remaining to seal the deal. The series resumes Saturday night in Elmira with a potential Game Five on Monday if necessary. Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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