Jackals Blanked by Wings

ELMIRA, N.Y. - One night after netting five goals the Elmira Jackals couldn't muster the offense to take down the Kalamazoo Wings on Saturday night at First Arena. The 2-0 setback moved Elmira's record to 3-9-1 on the season.

Click here for tonight's box score.

Click here for tonight's post-game comments.

Jordan Pietrus brought the Jackals, and the crowd, to life 16 seconds into the game when he dropped the gloves with Kalamazoo's Eric Kattelus. The Jackals used that energy to generate their most productive period in terms of scoring chances and put six shots on Kalamazoo goalie, and former Jackal, Joel Martin. Two solid scoring chances came on a power play with Wings defenseman Sam Ftorek serving a slashing minor. Martin, who turned away each of Elmira's shots in the first, was matched save-for-save in the opening stanza by Elmira's Scott Greenham. The teams headed into the second looking to break the scoreless duel.

The Jackals locked down hard in the second and did an exemplary job of limiting the Wings' scoring chances until the final minute. Shortly after an Elmira power play expired, the Wings halted a Jackals breakout attempt and turned it into a short odd-man rush. Adam Polasek sent a centering pass around a diving Kyle Bushee to Aaron Clarke between the circles. Clarke wristed a shot high to the blocker side past Greenham for his first goal of the season. Shots favored Kalamazoo 6-5 in the second.

The Wings got progressively better at limiting Elmira's chances as the game wore on and that helped them preserve the one-goal lead in the third. Kalamazoo had an 11-4 advantage in shots and picked up a late goal by Ludwig Blomstrand to seal the win. After causing a turnover at the Wings' line, David Pacan led the 3-on-1 into Elmira ice. His pass connected with an open Blomstrand on the left wing who scored high blocker side on Greenham for his third of the year. Despite just four shots, Elmira had one glorious chance to tie the game midway through the period. While on a power play, Ludwig Karlsson hit an open Artem Demkov on the doorstep. Demkov unleashed a high, hard one-timer but Martin's diving stick save kept Kalamazoo in the driver's seat.

Greenham took his fifth loss of the season despite 24 saves on 26 shots. Martin picked up his first shutout of the year with 15 stops. Elmira ended the night 0-for-4 on the power play and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals return are back on home ice Sunday, November 24 to battle the Kalamazoo Wings. Stick around after the game for the Jackals' first post-game skate with the team this year. Skates are available to rent if you do not have your own. Don't forget that groups of 10 or more who book in advance receive discounts off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability. Call 607-734-7825 to get your group outing booked.

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UPCOMING FIRST ARENA EVENTS:

Sunday, November 24: Elmira Jackals vs. Kalamazoo, 4:05 p.m. Click here to order tickets.  

Friday, November 29: Elmira Jackals vs. Wheeling, 7:05 p.m. Click here to order tickets.  

Saturday, November 30: Elmira Jackals vs. Wheeling, 7:05 p.m. Click here to order tickets.  

Saturday, December 7: Lee Greenwood & Crystal Gayle Christmas Concert, 7:00 p.m. Click here to order tickets.