Storm rallies from 4-0 deficit
1/24/2001GREENSBORO, N.C. -_ The Toledo Storm scored six unanswered goals after trailing 3-0 last night to defeat the Greensboro Generals 6-4 in an East Coast Hockey League game.
The Storm, winner of six straight, came back from a three-goal deficit recently at Arkansas.
“We've played very well lately, and we've got a lot of confidence that we can come back,” Toledo coach Dennis Holland said. “Coming back down in Arkansas a couple weeks ago let us know that we could come back from this type of deficit.”
Andrew Williamson led the charge, netting five points and the game-tying goal midway through the third period. James Patterson netted the game-winner on a power play with just 85 seconds remaining in regulation.
Generals defenseman Joe Ritson was called for high-sticking with 2:45 left in regulation. On the ensuing power play, Patterson took a feed from Williamson and launched a shot that deflected off Mike Perna's stick, hit goalie Trevor Prior, rolled over his shoulder and trickled into the net for a 5-4 lead. Williamson added an empty-netter with 16 seconds left.
“I saw it go up and I stood up trying to block it,” Prior said. “It's deflating, because I feel I made some big saves. But that doesn't matter if you don't stop the ones you're supposed to stop.''
Joel Irwin scored twice and Kevin Paden and Oleg Timchenko also scored for the Generals' 4-0 lead 4:33 into the second period.
Ryan Gaucher struck first for Toledo, then Jeff Johnstone and Rob Thorpe scored 66 seconds apart to cut the deficit to 4-3. Though Williamson missed a chance to tie the game in the final minute of the second period, he did it midway through the third. When Prior mishandled a puck behind the Generals' net on a power play, Williamson swooped in, circled the net and tied the game at 4.