Promotion
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Walleye fend off Komets in series opener

Walleye fend off Komets in series opener

Saturday, April 13th
Walleye fend off Komets in series opener

TOLEDO, Ohio – Meeting in the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive season and fourth time in the last five years, the Toledo Walleye opened the best-of-seven Central Division Semifinals with a 3-2 win over the Fort Wayne Komets on Friday at the Huntington Center.

With the score knotted at 1-1 near the halfway mark of the third period, Bryan Moore and Greg Wolfe gave the Walleye a two-goal lead with goals 23 seconds apart. Fort Wayne responded by scoring on a 6-on-4 power play with 1:26 remaining in regulation, but the hosts captured Game 1 on the strength of Pat Nagle’s 28-save performance.

Three-time defending Kelly Cup Champion Matt Register started the scoring for the Walleye 9:16 into the contest. Shortly after Moore’s charging minor expired, Dylan Sadowy gained the zone on the right wing and circled behind the Fort Wayne net before backhanding a pass to Register at the lower edge of the left circle for a one-timer inside the near post.

The Walleye looked to build on their lead, but drew iron twice in a goalless middle frame. While Jamie Schaafsma served the waning seconds of his tripping minor, Register teed up a shot from the left point that hit the inside of the left post with just over eight minutes left in the second. Barely a minute later, Ryan Obuchowski had his slapshot from the point ring off the crossbar and roll harmlessly toward the right half-boards.

Fort Wayne eventually pulled even with 15:18 to go in regulation. Register had his clearing attempt kept in at the right point by Cody Sol, who snapped a shot that was deflected in front by Jake Kamrass.

Toledo quickly jumped back in front courtesy of two goals in a 23-second span. Moore gained the zone and worked his way down to the lower part of the left circle before flicking a shot past Fucale’s blocker at the 9:26 mark. On an eventual 2-on-1, Zach Gallant was denied on his initial attempt from the left circle, but Wolfe raced in front to bury the rebound into an open net to stake the Walleye to a 3-1 lead.

The visitors called a timeout with 3:04 remaining and yanked Fucale to create a 6-on-5 advantage in skaters, which later became a 6-on-4 when A.J. Jenks was called for tripping with 1:48 left. Fort Wayne capitalized on the ensuing power play when Brady Shaw took a centering pass from Shawn Szydlowski and slid a shot between Nagle’s pads with 1:26 to go. With Fucale back on the bench for the extra skater, the Komets failed to create any more meaningful chances as the Walleye edged out a one-goal victory.

Fort Wayne finished 1-for-3 on the power play, while Toledo was unable to convert on four opportunities. Fucale stopped 35-of-38 shots in defeat.

What’s Next:The Walleye and Komets will return to the Huntington Center on Saturday for Game 2 of the Central Division Semifinals. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.

Three Stars:1. Toledo – Bryan Moore (goal)2. Toledo – Pat Nagle (W, 28 saves)3. Toledo – Matt Register (goal) 

Upcoming Home Games

Full Schedule
Preseason Game
Saturday, October 12th
Preseason Game
Puck Drops:
7:15 PM EDT
Huntington Center
Kalamazoo Wings
KAL Kalamazoo Wings
at
Toledo Walleye
TOL Toledo Walleye
Huntington Center
Opening Weekend
Friday, November 1st
Opening Weekend
Puck Drops:
7:15 PM EDT
Huntington Center
Wheeling Nailers
WHL Wheeling Nailers
at
Toledo Walleye
TOL Toledo Walleye
Huntington Center
Opening Weekend
Saturday, November 2nd
Opening Weekend
Puck Drops:
7:15 PM EDT
Huntington Center
Cincinnati Cyclones
CIN Cincinnati Cyclones
at
Toledo Walleye
TOL Toledo Walleye
Huntington Center

Latest News

More News
Book a suite or private party space for a game this season
Book a suite or private party space for a game this season
Start the party early at Opening Night on November 1
Start the party early at Opening Night on November 1
Toledo Walleye unveil 2024-25 promotions schedule
Toledo Walleye unveil 2024-25 promotions schedule

Get Toledo Walleye updates!

Sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know about Walleye news and upcoming games.

Our Sponsors