Walleye lose on road in OT to Kalamazoo

2/16/2013

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Playing without their two leading scorers and top goaltender the Walleye fell 3-2 in overtime to Kalamazoo tonight.

Despite being shorthanded, Toledo dominated in shots on goal as they sent 42 pucks on Wings goalie Joel Martin. They also earned a point in the standings after rallying from an early two-goal deficit.

The Walleye trailed by two after the first period but they tallied two of their own to tie it.

Travis Novak scored a shorthanded goal on an assist from Byron Froese to get Toledo on the board 2:48 into the middle period.

John May, who was signed just prior to Friday's game, scored the tying marker a little more than five minutes later. Froese also assisted on May's goal along with Phil Oreskovic.

After a scoreless third period, Kalamazoo's Aaron Clarke scored the game winner 21 seconds into OT.

Goalie Jimmy Spratt took over in the Toledo net for Kent Simpson, who was called up to Rockford on Thursday. Spratt finished with 14 saves in his first start of the season.

The Walleye outshot the Wings 42-17, including 17-7 in the second period.

“We did a great job tonight getting pressure in their zone,” Walleye coach Nick Vitucci said. “Tonight you just have to tip your cap to Kalamazoo goaltender Joel Martin. That is the beauty of hockey. One guy can make the difference and he did tonight.”

Toledo (28-18-5) is now 15-11-2 on the road this season.

The teams meet again tonight in Toledo at the Huntington Center.