Looking for their second straight win in the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union, the Icemen (1-5-1-0, 3 pts) fell to the Manchester Monarchs (6-2-1-1, 15 pts) tonight by a score of 2-1.
Early on, Jacksonville had several opportunities on the power play, including a four-minute power play. However, the man advantage woes continued for the Icemen and both teams headed to the locker room scoreless. Goalie Jamie Phillips was a strong force in net, posting his fourth straight period with zero goals allowed.
The second period saw the most action as both teams would combine for 35 shots on goal. The home team jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Jonathan Racine beat Phillips for his first of the season. That wouldn't get the Icemen down, as the team kept its composure and were rewarded with a goal minutes later. Alexandre Goulet continues his exceptional play with his sixth goal of the season via an assist from Emerson Clark. Goulet extended his point streak to seven games and Emerson Clark now has a five-game point streak.
Just 59 seconds later, the Icemen would have an opportunity to take the lead as Elgin Pearce drew a penalty on his way to the net. Pearce would end up finding the post as he went to his backhand against Monarchs goalie Cowley, and the game remain deadlocked at one. The Monarchs ended up getting a chance on the man advantage and made the Icemen pay. With 2:31 remaining in the second period, Rob Hamilton snuck one past Phillips through a maze of players to give Manchester the lead once again.
In the third period, the Icemen had several chances to tie the game. Their best opportunity came when Jimmy Lodge hit the crossbar with minutes remaining in the contest. With a late power play and the net empty, the Icemen were unable to capitalize on the 6-on-4 advantage and dropped their sixth of the season.
The Icemen will quickly travel to Reading to take on the Royals on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7:00 p.m. This will be Jacksonville's fifth and final game on the road trip.