FALCONS RIDE THREE-GOAL SECOND PERIOD TO TAKE DOWN KINGFISH

FRESNO, Calif., -- The Fresno Falcons used a three-goal second period to take down the Baton Rouge Kingfish, 4-2, at Selland Arena in the first game of a two-game series between the top two teams in the Western Conference.

Baton Rouge got off to a terrific start on the road. Jason Brancheau capitalized on a Fresno turnover to give the Kingfish the lead, 1-0, 68 seconds into the game. The Fish outshot the Falcons, 16-4, in the first period but only produced one goal for their efforts. Baton Rouge led 1-0 after 20 minutes.

In the second period, the Fresno offense woke up. The Falcons scored 47 seconds into the middle period to tie the game at a goal apiece. Fresno notched another goal at 11:12 to take its first lead, 2-1, and then pushed its advantage to two goals at 17:44 of the second. Baton Rouge headed into the second intermission chasing a pair.

Just shy of six minutes into the third period, the Kingfish's two newest players linked up to get the visitors back within one. Garrett Klotz found Noah Vance at the front of the cage for his first career goal in his first professional game.

The Kingfish launched everything they had at the Falcons in the final 14 minutes, outshooting Fresno,10-9, in the third period. However, Baton Rouge was unable to muster the equalizer. The Falcons bagged an insurance goal with 1:58 remaining to seal the win, 4-2. 

Baton Rouge and Fresno rematch tomorrow night in central California. The puck drops at 8:05 p.m. CDT at Selland Arena.