Walleye Force Overtime, Gain Point In Standings; Lose To Stingrays, 5-4

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11/29/2009 - Click for Tickets or view the December Schedule | Video Highlights | Box Score

Toledo, OH – Toledo hosted South Carolina for the second straight game on Sunday. The Walleye needed a spark coming off of a tough loss to the defending Kelly Cup Champions the night before. Goaltender Alec Richards was back in goal for the home team and was looking to give that edge after a successful promotion to the Rockford IceHogs.

Richards was solid in net, as he has been all year, but he did give up the first score of the contest. On the power play, the visiting Stingrays sent the puck behind the net, where Keith Johnson waited for the play to develop. Johnson came behind and scored on a wrap around goal that just went through the skates of Richards. Richards was standing while hugging the right post, but left just enough room for the first goal to squeeze across the line. The first period ended with the Walleye trailing by a goal, even though they out shot the Stingrays 14-10.

The second period was a totally different contest, both for the offense and the defense. Toledo started the period on a tear, including three goals just 2:14 apart. Derek Nesbitt led an odd-man rush and passed to Chris Robertson, who shot the one-timer. Goalie Braden Holtby made the initial stop, but Mark Nebus was there to collect the rebound and hit it home.

Just over a minute later, from the right circle, Maxime Tanguay threw a pass between two defenders’ legs in front of the crease. In perfect position, Evan Rankin was there to grab the pass. He made a move around the netminder and threw a backhanded shot over the diving Holtby. It was Rankin’s team-leading ninth goal of the season. Mike Hedden later completed the scoring barrage with a goal for the 3-1 Toledo lead.

The third period was again a different story. After Adam Hobson knocked in a short-handed score for a three goal Toledo lead, the defending champs found a way to claw back. The Stingrays scored three goals to tie the game, including two on the power play. The tying tally was scored by Gregg Johnson with 3:02 to play. After a Walleye turnover at the blue line, Johnson got a pass and took a slap shot just across the line for the goal.

The game went to a shoot-out, where the Stingrays came out on top with their lone goal. Toledo went 0-5 in the shoot-out. Alec Richards made 41 saves for the Walleye.

Click for Tickets or view the December Schedule | Video Highlights | Box Score

SEASON STORIES

Roster Moves: Prior to the game, goaltender Alec Richards was re-assigned to Toledo from Rockford (AHL) and goaltender Billy Sauer was re-called by Lake Erie (AHL). Richards went 1-1-0-0 in two games for the IceHogs (2.54 GAA, .902 SVP). Sauer went 1-1-0-0 in two appearances with the Walleye (4.51 GAA, .883 SVP).

On Fire: Since returning to the Walleye on Friday, JC Sawyer has been a welcomed commodity. In three games back, he has two goals and three assists – including a helper on Sunday. The defenseman is the team leader in points.

Scoring Quickly...: The three Walleye goals in the third period marks the fastest consecutive goals this season for Toledo. The goals came within 2:14. During the scoring, the fastest two goals for the Walleye were made, as well, within 1:02.

...And Scoring Often: Today's scoring barrage marks the first time this year Toledo has scored four consecutive goals in a game.

Photo and story by Philipp Levering, Toledo Walleye