Thunderbirds Extend Win Streak to 14
By Zak DeBeaussaert
Winston-Salem, NC - The Carolina Thunderbirds grinded out a first period lead to a 4-1 victory over the Danville Dashers on Friday night to elevate their win streak to 14.
Carolina's first period could not have gone better as the line of Peter Cicmanec, Joe Cangelosi, and Tommy Mahoney combined well for the first two goals of the game. Both goals were the result of crisp passing in the offensive zone and quick shots that Danville netminder Matt Kaludis had little to no chance on. Carolina would add a third one for good measure before the break when a pass from beneath the goal line set up Everett Thompson for a one-timer over Kaludis' shoulder.
Danville's team talk during the intermission from Interim Head Coach Dustin Henning clearly lit a fire on the bench because Danville forechecked harder and looked more menacing in the offensive zone. The Dashers potted their first and only goal of the game on a power play with Nathan Campbell putting one one-time past Frankie McClendon. Danville had plenty of chances in the second to get even closer, including an effort with Ryan Alves on a breakaway in the last seconds of the period. A backhand effort beat McClendon, but not before the buzzer sounded, according to the referees. Carolina headed into the locker room, lucky to be up two.
A third period goal from Stan Vlasov on the power play gave the Thunderbirds a three goal lead and gave the game its final scoreline. The Dashers had many chances on the net of McClendon during the frame, including ringing three posts in two different back-to-back shots. The puck luck and posts, fixed by PF Plumbing, were on the Thunderbirds' side tonight as they win and advance the streak to 14.
Frankie McClendon got the win to remain perfect on the year at 4-0-0-0, and he stopped 26 of 27 shots in the victory. Matt Kaludis picks up the loss for Danville and stopped 35 of 39 shots tonight.
3 Stars of the Game:
Chase Fallis
Frankie McClendon
Mike Baker
Attendance: 2,649
Photo credit: V. Khouri