Arizona

Urquhart's Three Lead Sundogs to 1-0 Series Lead
05/01/2008 9:34 PM

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. – The Arizona Sundogs and Colorado Eagles dropped the puck on the 2008 Central Hockey League Ray Miron President’s Cup Finals on Thursday night at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Sundogs forward Cory Urquhart registered a hat trick in the game, tallying goals 14, 15 and 16 this postseason, one shy of the CHL playoff record of 17, set by Colorado Eagles forward Greg Pankewicz during the 2007 CHL Playoffs. Regular season scoring champion Alex Leavitt maintained his one-point lead in the playoffs over teammate Urquhart with a one goal, two assist performance. Game 2 of the best-of-7 series is set for Saturday night at 7:05pm at Tim’s Toyota Center.



The defending champion Colorado Eagles opened scoring in Game 1 on Thursday night to take the first lead of the 2008 President’s Cup Finals as Ryan Tobler threw a centering pass to Riley Nelson who sent a low one-time shot past Arizona goaltender Rob McVicar for his fourth goal of the postseason. Scott Polaski also collected an assist on the early tally for his fifth helper of the playoffs. The Sundogs answered back with their first goal of the finals just under a minute-and-a-half later as veteran defenseman Dan Laperriere pinched from his point position to fire a rebound past a sprawling Sebastien Laplante. Mark Kolanos took the initial shot and was credited with an assist along with Tyler Redenbach. With 7:46 to play in the opening frame, the visiting Eagles reclaimed a one-goal lead as Jason Beatty directed a bouncing puck into the back of the net for his first goal of the postseason. Nelson registered his first assist and second point of the game on the Beatty marker. After 20 minutes of play, the Sundogs held a 16-10 advantage in shots.



Arizona came out firing early in the second period to take a 3-2 lead just 71 seconds in. After circling behind the net, Redenbach was sent to the ice earning a delayed penalty. The power play wouldn’t be needed though as the playmaking forward found Steve Rymsha on the far post from the seat of his pants. Rymsha netted his sixth tally of the playoffs 42 seconds into the frame, tying the game at 2-2. Kolanos was also credited with his second assist of the game. Cory Urquhart followed the Rymsha tally with his league-leading 14th goal of the postseason. Alex Leavitt and David Schlemko helped on the go ahead goal to find their way onto the score sheet. Colorado knotted the game at three goals apiece at the 15:18 mark as defenseman Brad Williamson grabbed second playoff goal from Riley Nelson, his third point and second assist of the night. The Eagles outshot the Sundogs 9-7 in the middle stanza but Arizona held a 23-19 cushion through two periods of play.



More than seven minutes passed in the third period before the 3-3 tie was broken. While on their sixth power play opportunity of the night, the Sundogs regained a one-goal lead. Alex Leavitt calmed a rebound before pushing the puck over the goal line for his sixth goal of the playoffs and second point of the night. Defenseman Chris Bartolone and forward Jason Visser assisted on the go ahead goal. Just past the period’s midway point, Arizona pushed its lead to 5-3 as Urquhart collected his second marker of the game from linemate Alex Leavitt. With 2:50 to play in regulation, Urquhart gained the offensive zone and completed his hat trick effort with a high snap shot over the shoulder of Laplante to give his club a three-goal cushion in the closing minutes. Colorado would add a late power play goal but would eventually fall short, 6-4.



Rob McVicar got the starting nod for Arizona and stopped 24 of 28 shots to improve to 8-1 in the postseason while Sebastien Laplante blocked 30 of 36 shots in the loss. Both teams collected one power play goal on Thursday night with the Sundogs finishing 1-for-7 with the man advantage and Colorado finishing 1-for-4. Arizona outshot Colorado 36-28 in the contest.



With the win Arizona takes a 1-0 series lead and looks to Game 2 of the best-of-7 set scheduled for Saturday night at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Game time is set for 7:05pm. Tickets start at just $15 and are available by phone at 1-866-4-GET-TIX (1-866-443-8849), online at www.gettix.net and in person at the Tim’s Toyota Center Box Office.

This one won't be a gimmie

Wow I just woke up! That was a great game last night.Colorado played short handed most of the 3rd period but Arizona made them pay.

I am looking forward to every game in this series,it's going to be a great one.

Two good teams with talent and it's the cup up for grabs

Quote:

Colorado played short handed most of the 3rd period but Arizona made them pay.

That sounds like a spin doctor Joel line.

TeamRoper wrote:

Quote: Colorado played short handed most of the 3rd period but Arizona made them pay. That sounds like a spin doctor Joel line.

TeamRoper wrote:

Quote: Colorado played short handed most of the 3rd period but Arizona made them pay. That sounds like a spin doctor Joel line.

LOL if it wasn't May I would agree with ya!

Eagle Struck wrote:

I am looking forward to every game in this series

Agree, all four games should be entertaining.

Thanks, folks!

LJR

at least that got that many left

LJR are you saying a SWEEP?

Eagle Struck wrote:

TeamRoper wrote: Quote: Colorado played short handed most of the 3rd period but Arizona made them pay. That sounds like a spin doctor Joel line. LOL if it wasn't May I would agree with ya!

We have played many games in May, maybe not since you became a fan what 4 or 5 yerars ago?

You forget there was Thunder games way before the Eagles were even chicklets...

Kingsman 70 wrote:

LJR are you saying a SWEEP?

It's likely. Colorado has no heart, and came very close to not making the playoffs at all - they had the fifth best record in the division, right?

Actually, I have a feeling that Colorado will get lucky and win one. Arizona will win the cup four games to one.

HTH.

LJR