Storm scorers find mark

11/13/2005

Something had to give in a battle between one of the ECHL's top scoring teams and the league's top defensive squad last night at the Sports Arena.

Trenton, the defending Kelly Cup champions, came in allowing a league-low 1.86 goals per game along with the best penalty-killing unit.

Toledo took the ice averaging four goals per contest with three of the league's top six points leaders.

Storm left winger Ken Magowan, the team's top scorer, tallied two power-play goals to lead Toledo to a 4-1 victory over the Titans (5-3-1) before 4,375 spectators. Toledo maintained control of first place in the ECHL's North Division with a 7-2-1 record.

Toledo goalie Joey MacDonald, who was on loan for one game from Grand Rapids, outdueled Trenton goalie Martin Houle. Houle entered the contest with the second-best goals-against average in the league (1.44).

MacDonald made 25 saves and stopped all five of Trenton's power plays. Houle came up with 34 total stops, but the Storm scored three goals on 10 power play chances.

"We're more worried about ourselves," said Storm coach Nick Vitucci.

"If we execute, we are a tough team to beat."

Magowan netted his second goal and the game-winner with the Storm on a 5-on-3 power play. Magowan slammed in a loose puck off a rebound for his ninth goal of the season as Toledo went up 2-1 near the midpoint of the second period.

"I've been very fortunate. I've been getting a lot of bounces," Magowan said. "I'm getting a lot of power play chances playing with Scooter [Smith] and [Todd] Jackson. They do the hard part, setting up the goals."

Mike James then scored his first goal of the season as Toledo grabbed a 3-1 lead in the second. Chris Blight put the game out of reach with an even-strength goal at the 11:24 mark of the third period. Jason Maleyko assisted on both goals.

Toledo got its first goal quickly. Magowan skated into the slot and let a shot go that tipped off the top of Houle's glove and dropped in behind him. The goal gave Toledo a 1-0 lead just three minutes into the contest.

"I'm speechless. Kenny competes and battles every night, not only on offense but also defensively," Vitucci said. "He's just a good all-around player."

Smith assisted on the first Magowan goal for his 17th point of the year, which is tops on the team.

Jackson also remained among the ECHL leaders with an assist for his 16th point.

MacDonald, who was sent back to Grand Rapids following the game, was solid in the second and third periods.

"It was an important game for Joey," Vitucci said. "We were glad to help him out."