ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, November 11, 1996 TAG: 9611120048
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
ROANOKE'S ROAD WOES continue as Baton Rouge peppers two goaltenders.
Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Roanoke Express coach Frank Anzalone probably feels as if there is no place like home.
After dropping three games in a row, including an 8-3 setback to the Baton Rouge Kingfish on Sunday, and four of six on its recent road swing, Roanoke finally returns to the Big Lick for a Tuesday night matchup with Richmond. It will be the Express' first at the Roanoke Civic Center in 11 days.
Baton Rouge (6-6-1) scored five consecutive goals after falling behind 2-0 in the early stages of the first period to put the game out of reach.
The Kingfish chased Express goalie Dave Gagnon from the net at the 6:08 mark of the second period after rallying to take a 3-2 lead. Roanoke reserve netminder Larry Moberg fared no better than Gagnon, surrendering five goals in relief.
Jeff Jablonski opened the scoring for the Express, beating Kingfish goalie Mike Veisor for his fifth goal of the season at 2:55 of the first period.
Roanoke wasted little time in building a two-goal lead. Sean Brown scored his first goal of the season for the Express, beating Veisor a mere 17 seconds after Jablonski.
Just when it seemed as if the Express (5-8-1) may be positioning itself for a win and a split of the six-game road trip, the roof of the Riverside Centralplex caved in on them - courtesy of the Kingfish offense.
Baton Rouge outshot Roanoke 37-17 and scored on three of eight power play opportunities. Roanoke's lone highlight in the final 56 minutes of play came on Ryan Equale's power play goal midway through the second period, cutting the Kingfish lead to 5-3.
Baton Rouge responded to Roanoke's second power play by scoring three consecutive goals, putting the final margin at 8-3.
LENGTH: Short : 41 linesby CNB