Walleye Comeback In Reading But Fall Short In Overtime, 4-3
10/29/2009 - READING, PA - The Toledo Walleye began its first road trip of the season on Thursday to play the Reading Royals at the Sovereign Center. Riding the momentum from the previous game's victory, the Walleye were sharp to start the contest, but were in for a see-saw of a game sparked by a plethora of penalties.
Midway through the first period, the Walleye went on the attack for their second power play. Showing great patience on the advantage, LW Maxime Tanguay scored the first goal of the game from passes by C Adam Hobson and D JC Sawyer. It was Tanguay's first goal since notching the first ever for the Walleye on opening night.
Each period had a different story, and the second would be all about the host Royals. Reading came on to the fresh ice with intensity. Toledo's Mark Nebus was hit hard to the boards by D Jared Ross, who was called for boarding. The Walleye went on the advantage again, but it seemed that the Royals were on the power play. Even though goalie Alec Richards stopped both of Reading's huge shorthanded attempts, the Royals built momentum from the kill.
LW Stefano Giliati scored an unassisted goal to tie the game, his fifth of the year. Reading continued to use Gilliati on the attack as he tallied assists on the next two goals. In the same period, D Joey Ryan tipped a shot in front over Richards shoulder. Reading then took a 3-1 lead when D Ben McLeod scored to end the period.
Then, the third was about the Walleye. Mike Hedden, on a penalty shot, scored high stick-side on Beau Erickson to cut the deficit to one. Then Erickson, out of frustration, shot the puck out of the net but hit the referee, giving the the Royals another penalty. Just at the end of the ensuing advantage, Adam Hobson drove to the front of the net and scored over the glove of Erickson to tie the game. The Walleye were 2-for-9 on the power play for the night.
After an overtime full of chances for both teams, Reading came on top in the shootout. A series of great moves and hard shots gave the Royals a 4-2 edge in the shootout and would be enough for the win.
Reading 4, Toledo 3 | Full Box Score
The Walleye stay on the road in Kalamazoo on Saturday, October 31. The Fish will return to Lucas County Arena for the first of seven November home games on Wednesday, November 4. Click to view the November schedule and get your tickets today!
~ Philipp Levering, Toledo Walleye
