Columbus, GA – The Columbus River Dragons defeated the Carolina Thunderbirds in regulation in Game 1 of the Continental Division FPHL Playoffs on Wednesday, 4-1.
Trailing 1-0 after the first period, Austin Daae scored at 8:55 in the second frame, tying the game.
At 6:33 in the final frame, Cody Wickline score the game-winning goal on a power play.
Following Wickline’s goal, Carolina turned up the heat. Although doing their best to escalate the tempo of the game and spending a fair amount of time in the offensive zone, Carolina was unable to generate any good scoring opportunities.
With less than two minutes remaining in regulation, Alex Storjohann extended the River Dragons lead to 3-1 with an empty net goal at 18:23.
At 19:34, Alexander Jmaeff sealed the win for the River Dragons with an empty net goal.
Alex Storjohann’s goal marked his 5th of the playoffs, and his first goal scored at even strength.
Cody Wickline scored his fourth goal of the post season.
Austin Daae scored three points – one goal and two assists.
The River Dragons aim to finish the second round in victory over the Carolina Thunderbirds on Friday, but will need to do so on the road.
Game time starts at 7:35 pm on Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Photos by Toni Rae Hill
