game
Ben Fanelli scored the game winner as the Kitchener Rangers defeated the Peterborough Petes 3-1 on Friday night. Captain Michael Catenacci recorded a goal and two assists and received first star honours. With the win, the Rangers swept their two-game series with the Petes.
The Rangers took advantage of an early power play opportunity, jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the opening five minutes of play. Ryan Murphy held the puck at the blueline and flipped a backhand pass to Radek Faksa. The Czech-born rookie threw a long shot on net that was tipped in by veteran forward Catenacci. The captain’s 24th of the season was his third goal in two games. Catenacci has recorded at least one point in 15 of his last 16 games.
Kitchener out shot the Petes 10-8 in the opening period of play.
Franky Palazzese made 14 saves for the Rangers in a scoreless second period. Peterborough held the advantage in shots on goal with Kitchener firing 13 at former Ranger Mike Morrison.
Peter Ceresnak put Peterborough on the board seven minutes into the final period. The first-year rearguard capitalized on a two-man advantage, firing a shot that bounced past Palazzese for his sixth of the year. Trevor Murphy and Stephen Nosad were credited with the assists.
The Rangers re-established their lead just over two minutes later. Defenseman Ben Fanelli potted his third of the season, unleashing a shot from the point that flew through traffic and past Morrison. Catenacci picked up his second point of the night with an assist on the play, The second helper was credited to Andrew Crescenzi, who has accumulated nine points in his last six outings.
Peterborough pulled Morrison for the extra attacker with just over a minute to play and Tyler Randell added an empty net goal with 1.5 seconds on the clock. The power forward fourth of the season came in his first game back from injury. He recorded a goal in each meeting with the Petes this season. Catenacci and Murphy picked up their second assists of the night on the play.
The Rangers out-shout the Petes 15-10 in the final frame and finished the game with a 38-32 overall advantage.
Kitchener swept the two-game season series with Peterborough and improve their overall record to 38-17-1-1. The Petes fall to 25-27-3-4.
Scoring
1. KIT M. Catenacci, (24) (R. Faksa, R. Murphy), 4:27 (PP)
3. PBO P. Ceresnak, (6) (T. Murphy, S. Nosad), 7:12 (PP)
3. KIT B. Fanelli, (3) (M. Catenacci, A. Crescenzi), 9:17
3. KIT T. Randell, (4) (R. Murphy, M. Catenacci) 19:59 (EN)
Three Stars
1. KIT – 10 Michael Catenacci
2. PBO – 33 Mike Morrison
3. KIT – 32 Franky Palazzese
Attendance: 6,341
The Rangers travel to Owen Sound on Saturday, February 25 for a 7:30 pm meeting with the Attack. The road trip continues on Sunday, February 26th when they take on the Guelph Storm at 2pm. The team returns to home ice on Tuesday, March 6 when they host the Storm at 7pm. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 519-578-1570 or 1-800-265-8977, via the internet or in person at The Aud Box Office or Centre in the Square Box Office.
