Sell-out crowd helps the Toledo Walleye defeat the Trenton Devils 3-1
If you like this …View all »Skating in their baby blue throwback jerseys in front of a sold-out crowd of 8,000, the Toledo Walleye notched their second-consecutive victory over the Trenton Devils tonight, winning 3-1 at the Lucas County Arena.
Unlike their high-scoring affair from last night, both teams skated nearly the full first period without a score tonight. Toledo was also held without a shot as well for the first three minutes of play. They had plenty of good chances, including a nice attempt by Bryan Ewing and Mike Hedden that reached the doorstep, but was kept out of the net by Trenton netminder Dave Caruso.
Also unlike last night, Toledo took the lead and never looked back. Top-scoring defenseman and ECHL All-Star starter JC Sawyer connected on a pass from Mark Nebus behind the net for his 14th goal of the season. Netminder Dave Caruso, who had been previously taunting the Walleye, was visibly upset with the play.
Trenton however came back to score the equalizer at 4:23 in the second period. Jack Combs, who tallied two goals last evening, wrapped the puck around the back of the net to beat Alec Richards on the far side.
Sawyer came to the rescue once again about 11 minutes later in the second, hitting the back of the net through the five hole off a pass from Bryan Ewing.
After going nearly 45 minutes without a penalty, the Walleye gave the Devils their first power-play opportunity when Adam Hobson was called for interference in the third period. Trenton pressured Alec Richards quite well, but the goaltender was phenomenal, stopping each beautifully.
Toledo went on to kill two other minor penalties, then resumed their attack with Mike Hedden sending the puck from behind the net to Bryan Ewing for the two-goal lead.
In what would have been a first for the Walleye, JC Sawyer narrowly missed out on a hat trick, hitting the crossbar on a late shot. His two goals however boosted him up to the top spot in both goals and points for the team this season.
Just as we saw 24 hours earlier, Trenton planned a last-ditch attack, taking a timeout and pulling their goaltender with just under two minutes to play. Alec Richards was once again amazing, showing his top-notch skill and leading Toledo to the win.
Taking all four points in the series, especially after a three-game losing streak was “very satisfying” to head coach Nick Vitucci. He wasn’t surprised that JC Sawyer and Alec Richards were on top of their game tonight, adding he “comes to expect that” out of them. Richards was equally pleased with the win, citing the confidence that he gained from the victories.
The Walleye have a chance to make it six for six tomorrow evening as they host the Charlotte Checkers for the first time. Tickets for the afternoon game, which also features Mascot Mania, are available by calling (419) 725-WALL, visiting the Lucas County Arena box office or by ordering online.
posted : 2 years ago Saturday, January 9
