Linkenheld Scores Game-Winner as Tomahawks Defeat Jr. Blues 6-5

Jan 30, 2015

 

 

            The Johnstown Tomahawks appeared to be headed to a regulation victory over the Springfield Jr. Blues on Friday night in Springfield, Ill. A late Jr. Blues goal sent the game to overtime, where Casey Linkenheld secured the extra point in a 6-5 victory. The win is the Tomahawks second straight, moving them into a tie with Springfield for fourth place in the North Division.

 

            Zach Zech got the Tomahawks on the board first, scoring at 9:25 of the first period. Dakoda Menslage and Steve Quagliata earned the assist on Zech’s fourth of the season.

           

            The lead was extended just 18 seconds later, as Quagliata scored his second goal in the last three games. Andrew Romano and Cam Bleck assisted on the goal.

 

            Joe Drabin made it 3-0, taking a pass from Filips Buncis before firing a one-timer into the top right corner of the net at 8:29. Adam Ostrowski also added an assist in his first game for the Tomahawks.

 

            Joey Lupo got the Jr. Blues on the board, taking a pass from Kelly Klima and scoring on a shot in the slot at 14:03 of the second period. The Jr. Blues pulled within one, as Anthony Scarsella scored a power-play goal with 53 seconds remaining in the period.

 

            Zac Robbins regained the two-goal lead thanks to a pass from Filips Buncis 3:35 into the third period. Robbins now has goals in both games against the Jr. Blues this weekend.

 

            Springfield pulled back within one at 4:50, before Luke Lynch made it 5-3 just 19 seconds later. Drabin and Menslage earned the assists on the goal.

 

            Brian Rigali made it a 5-4 game, scoring with 2:36 remaining in the third period. The Jr. Blues tied the game, as Brady Tomlak chipped the puck past Jake Gwillim with five seconds remaining in regulation.

 

            Linkenheld gave the Tomahawks the extra point, scoring 1:28 into the overtime period. Linkenheld now has three goals in his last five games.

 

            Jake Gwillim earned the win, stopping 45 of 50 shots. In the last two games, Gwillim has stopped 101 of 108 shots, including the three shooters in the shootout. Dryden McKay suffered the loss, stopping 26 of 32 shots. The Tomahawks went 0-for-4 on the power play and a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.

           

            The Tomahawks close out the weekend series in Springfield Saturday night at 8:05 p.m. EST. The Tomahawks next home game is Thursday February 12 against Keystone. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.johnstowntomahawks.com or call 814-536-4625.