Toledo Defeated in Kalamazoo on Sunday; Walleye Host Wheeling Wednesday Night
2/20/2011 - (Kalamazoo, MI)–Kalamazoo scored four times in the first period and downed the Walleye 5-2. Toledo is 24-23-4 on the season and 12-11-2 on the road. Toledo is 4-5-1 against Kalamazoo this season.
The Wings would jump in front of Toledo when Aaron Clarke beat Joe Palmer. Toledo would tie the game at one just 21 seconds later when Chris DiDomenico cut in front of the Kalamazoo net and his backhander beat Ryan Nie for his 5th goal of the season. Willie Coetzee and Sebastien Piche assisted on DiDomenico’s goal at 3:54 of the first. The Wings would go on and score three times before the period ran out to lead 4-1.
“We knew Kalamazoo would come out with a lot of energy tonight and that was the case,” said Head Coach Nick Vitucci. “Kalamazoo is too good offensively for us to struggle in our own end like we did today, especially in the first period. We played better as the game wore on, but you just can’t dig a hole like that and win.”
Toledo carried much of the play through the second period but were unable to solve Nie. The Wings outshot Toledo 30-17 through forty minutes. Toledo would make a 4-2 game at 6:25 of the third period as Piche blasted a shot through the pads of Nie for his 6th goal of the year. Tyler Doig drew the lone assist on the power play goal. Kalamazoo would get their own power play goal from Trent Daavettila 12:04.
Walleye Notes:
-Walleye goaltender Joe Palmer made 36saves is 9-12-1 on the season for Toledo.
-After winning six consecutive road games, the Walleye have dropped the last two contests away from home.
-The next Toledo home game will be Wednesday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm when the Walleye host Wheeling at the Huntington Center. Fans can call (419) 725-WALL or visit the arena box office for ticket information.
