News

Toledo, OH - The Toledo Walleye topped the Trenton Devils 1-0 in overtime Saturday night in the first ever meeting between the clubs at the new Lucas County Downtown Arena. Jean-Claude Sawyer scored on the four-on-three power play at 3:53 of the extra period for the game winning score, his third tally of the season. Devils' goalie Dave Caruso had stopped the first 43 Walleye shots.

The Devils were forced to kill off eight power plays during regulation, including an extended five-on-three late in the third after minor calls against Tim Kunes for interference at 12:27 and Andy Thomas for delay of game at 12:32. Tony Zancanaro made multiple plays to keep loose pucks away from the goal mouth. The most amazing play for the Devils came with 15 seconds left on the two-man advantage as Sawyer tried to move the puck in front for the Walleye and it came across the crease for a quick shot, but Caruso incredibly slid from left to right to make the most spectacular save of the game. Seconds after the ensuing faceoff, Toledo had one more great chance as a point-blank shot from Ryan Smyth was put just wide of the longside post.

The ninth Toledo power play produced the game winning goal. Matt Cohen was called for a slashing major at 3:45 of overtime, and Toledo coach Nick Vitucci called a time out. It took only eight seconds after a right wing faceoff for Toledo to capitalize. Despite winning the draw, the Devils could not clear the zone, getting the puck only as far as the blue line where Sawyer collected and let loose a blast that beat Caruso on the glove side.

Toledo goaltender Alec Richards was chosen as the first star of the game, stopping all of the Devils' 26 shots in recording his first shutout. Jeff Prough led Trenton with five shots, but the Devils could not get one past Sawyer. The Devils were unable to convert on four power play chances.

Trenton drops to 1-2-1-0 on the season and Toledo improves to 3-2. The Devils return home to battle the Wheeling Nailers Wednesday, October 28 at 7 p.m. at Sovereign Bank Arena.