MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com – Phoenix, Ariz. – The Fresno Falcons opened their seven-game road trip with a 3-2 setback to the Phoenix RoadRunners on Thursday at US Airways Center.
Justin Maiser opened the scoring just 1:12 into the contest to give Phoenix a 1-0 lead. Maiser was stationed at the hash marks of the Fresno zone, and redirected a shot past Kris Mayotte for his fifth goal in the first six games of the season.
The Falcons out-shot the RoadRunners 20-12 in the opening period, but RoadRunners’ goaltender Nathan Lawson turned aside all 20 shots to preserve the 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of play.
Fresno pulled even in the opening minute of the second period. Jarrett Konkle skated into the Phoenix zone, and beat Lawson with a long shot from the top of the left-wing circle at the 49 second mark.
Phoenix regained the lead with a power-play goal midway through the period. Yandle fed the puck down low, and Sean O’Connor swept the puck past Mayotte for his fourth goal of the season at 10:36.
The RoadRunners extended the lead to 3-1 just 43 seconds into the third period. Peder Skinner skated wide into the Fresno zone, and centered back in front for Maiser who beat Mayotte for his second goal of the night.
P.O. Beaulieu pulled the Falcons back within one at 11:13, sweeping in from the blue line and putting a rebound just over Lawson’s outstretched glove for his second goal in as many games.
Fresno pulled Mayotte in the final minute, but was unable to get the tying score.