Mark Dekanich saved all 21 shots that came his way while Austin Fyten gave the South Carolina Stingrays the only goal of the game to tie the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Adirondack Thunder at one game each. The series now shifts to the Glen Falls Civic Center for the next three guaranteed games.
Ken Appleby tended the pipes for Adirondack and continuously allowed rebound opportunities for South Carolina shooters. However, the Thunder defense remained stingy with defending the net front.
Fyten put six total shots on goal and hit the goal post twice. He would not be denied at 12:24 of the second period. The Stingrays power play fizzled out for the third time, but Bobby Shea chucked a shot at the crowded slot.
The puck pin-balled around, hitting Derek DeBlois‘ stick and popping to Appleby’s pads. The rebound came to Fyten, who had his first attempt turned to the side. He chased his rebound and slid it behind the line to give the Rays the slimmest of leads.
Dekanich held the Rays in the game with numerous saves at critical junctures. That was all the Stingrays needed and they skidded to the finish line for the Game 2 victory.
Derek DeBlois led all Stingrays and skaters overall with seven shots on goal.
On a 3-on-2, Appleby stopped all three shots from DeBlois, Kelly Zajac, and Joe Devin. After the last shot by Devin, he fell on top of Appleby. Though the goaltender was slow to get up, he was given the “all clear” to continue playing.
Tuesday will be Game 3 from Glen Falls, NY.
