Jackals Clip the Wings

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals claimed three of a possible six standings points from this weekend's three-in-three with Kalamazoo thanks to a 2-1 win at First Arena on Sunday evening. The win improved Elmira to 4-9-1 on the season.

Click here for tonight's box score.

Click here for tonight's post-game comments.

Elmira hadn't been able to score first against Kalamazoo in either of the prior two meetings in this weekend's three-in-three, and that trend continued on Sunday. The Wings' Ludwig Blomstrand crashed the net to put home a rebound for his fourth goal of the season 12:10 into the game. John Armstrong started the play with a wrist shot from the top of the right wing circle. Elmira's Scott Greenham made the initial save, but Blomstrand reached around a Jackals defender to tuck the puck in. Elmira was limited to 15 shots in Saturday's 2-0 loss, but nearly matched that shot total in the first period Sunday. Despite their 11 shots the Jackals couldn't solve Kalamazoo's Jordan Binnington and headed into the second down by one.

Kalamazoo gave its best effort to extend the lead in the second and out-shot the Jackals 12-5. Greenham was at his best when his team needed him the most, however, and held the Wings' attack at bay. Kalamazoo's effort was aided by a 3-1 advantage in power play opportunities during the second. Elmira's penalty kill stood tall for the second game in a row, though, and ran its streak to five consecutive penalties killed off. That defensive effort set the stage for the third period comeback.

Elmira's pressure on the forecheck directly led to the tying goal by Jakub Culek just over eight minutes into the third. With Mathieu Gagnon pressuring up ice from his defensive position, the Wings skated into a trap on the right wing wall. After Marvin Degon jarred the puck loose, Jean Bourbeau centered to Culek who was all alone between the circles. The rookie's low, hard wrist shot beat Binnington for his third goal of the year. Bourbeau was at the forefront of the go-ahead goal just 2:59 later. After winning a puck battle on the right wing, the Jackals captain centered to Kyle Bushee at the left point. Bushee tried to return it to a driving Bourbeau at the right post, but instead the puck banked in off of a Wings defender. It was Bushee's second of the year and stood up as the winner behind seven saves by Greenham in the third.

Greenham stopped 30 shots all together to earn his fourth win of the year. Binnington took his third loss with 22 stops. Elmira ended the night 0-for-2 on the power play and 3-for-3 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals return are back on home ice Friday, November 29, 2013 to battle the Wheeling Nailers. 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:

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.