MACON, GA – The Macon Mayhem would take to the ice looking to avenge a loss from the night prior and take back a share of the final playoff spot from the Knoxville Ice Bears on Military Appreciation Weekend.
The Mayhem would dominate possession through the first period of this one. They would garner excellent scoring opportunities that would be met by the excellent goaltending of Marco Costantini. The period would be defined by a large altercation near the fifth-minute mark that would be ended by a strong right hook from Brad Jenion. In total, 36 penalty minutes would be assessed for that spat of extracurriculars. Macon would be unable to cash in on their two powerplay opportunities in the period but would outshoot the Ice Bears 12 to 3.
Macon would succumb to the first Knoxville power play of the game as Jordan Stallard was able to beat Boyko stick-side from the right circle. Later in the period, Jarret Kup would be arguably taken down by Derek Osik who then set up Nizhnikov to combine with Rollo for the second Knoxville goal. Macon’s Sacha Roy would be assessed a game misconduct and a 5-minute major for boarding later in the period. Macon’s penalty kill unit and Josh Boyko would come through for 5-straight minutes to kill off the major. The Mayhem would continue to relentlessly forecheck and earn shots on goal but could not squeeze any by Costanini, who would hold a 2-0 Knoxville to the second intermission.
Knoxville would commit four straight penalties, but Macon could not squeeze one by Costantini. Knoxville’s Troy Murray would score his first as an Ice Bear just as a 4-on-4 turned into a Knoxville powerplay. Macon would not go down without a fight as Tommy Munichiello would steal the puck away to set up a Michael McChesney goal in the slot late in the contest. Now down just two, Mayhem head coach would pull Boyko in favor of the extra attacker. Knoxville would once again cap of the night with an empty-netter to make it a 4-1 final.
The Mayhem squad will be haunted by missed opportunities in this one as they had long stretches of possession, 37 shots on goal, and 7 unconverted powerplay opportunities.
The Macon Mayhem will welcome in the top-ranked Fayetteville Marksmen for 6:30 puck drop next Saturday on Teddy Bear Toss Night. Fans are encouraged to bring new stuffed animals to throw onto to the ice after the Mayhem’s first goal on the night to be donated to the Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital. Tickets for the game start at just $15. For tickets or more information, visit maconmayhem.com or call us at 478-803-1592.
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