KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Fort Wayne Komets played a scrappy game but came up just short, losing 5-4 to the Kalamazoo Wings in a shootout during the annual Green Ice Game in honor of St. Patrick's Day at Wings Stadium.
Why scrappy? They were without their top two centers, Colin Chaulk (flu) and Mathieu Curadeau (groin). The Wings got two goals when the puck deflected off Fort Wayne players in front, another when goalie Nick Boucher was screened by his own man and a fourth after defenseman Brent Henley tripped and coughed up the puck behind his net.
The Komets' bounces weren't nearly as lucky.
However, Fort Wayne scored twice late in the third period to force overtime -- that's three third-period comebacks in a row -- and those goals came from Luciano Aquino and Konstantin Shafranov. But the Komets couldn't get it done in the shootout this time. Ryan Markham had the only shootout goal, as Fort Wayne's winning streak was snapped at 10 games.
No big deal, really, considering the Komets had wrapped up the regular-season championship in their previous game. There was no letdown in their effort Monday, which was a good sign for their fans.
Here's a question: It's Game 7 of the Turner Cup Finals. Which Komets goaltender do you go with? I'm picking Nick Boucher instead of Kevin Reiter.
I'd like to thank those who got onto the chat session tonight. Too bad internet problems prevented me from being on it as much as I would have liked. On that note, though, I would like to thank the Wings Stadium staff that worked so hard to try and get it fixed. Hopefully next time I'm up here, we'll have high-speed again.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
just keep rotating them unless one goes into a slump
Posted by: chuckitt | March 18, 2008 at 12:34 AM
What a weak post. Why all the bull about it being "ok" that the streak was broken? Are you going to tell us "It's how you play the game, not who wins or loses!" next? Save the self pity and "making myself feel better" comments for when you are at the urinal.
Your like the Komets, lots of talking and strutting, but just can't come up with it when it counts.
Even Henley was a complete whimp tonight.
Posted by: 4tonuthin | March 18, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Okay so he is a Kwings fan!!!!
We won the Huber. Now is time to keep our key players fresh without letting go of the chemesty.
This is what it comes down to.!!! I'm playing my gf heads up in poker, If I win, the Komets win the Cup. If I lose, The Komets win the cup in 7 games. I'm feeling good about my chances!!!
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | March 18, 2008 at 01:04 AM
Komets had a great game tonight, some unlucky goals and the calls were a bit one sided. Durdin's boarding was a good call but they should have taken them both. (two ladies and a bus is the way to travel to a hockey game by the way)
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 18, 2008 at 01:18 AM
Just some insight from where I was sitting (Section 11A row Q):
I'm with Chuckitt, rotate the goalies until one goes really cold (which may be never unfortunately).
I thought that the power play looked anemic until Shafranov scored and even then the goal was a bad break for the Wings.
Anyone besides me like the nice bounce off the boards behind the net that led to Drouin's goal in the first?
I thought Henley had a rough night, especially when he lost half of his stick that flew into the crowd and is it me, or is Durdin afraid to hit?
Was it just me or was that puck bouncing WAY too much?
Anyone notice at the end of the game that Boucher was yapping at Sims (of all people!) as he was skating to the locker room? I can only imagine what that was about but I have a feeling it wasn't about the bus food being even colder due to the shootout.
Speaking of a bus, Ryne, my gf and I noticed the bus as we left Wings, we may have to join you the next time a trip is made, that just looked awesome!
One final item, anyone besides me notice the fight/verbal spat in the stands in Section 9? I caught a glimpse of it but I don't really know what happened or caused it.
Those are my thoughts, dissect them as you may
Posted by: Iceman2415 | March 18, 2008 at 04:06 AM
The bus was nuts, it was actually Brandon Warner's dad that put all of that together and it was mostly his family on the bus, (he actually sat with us most of the game)
Iceman, i didn't see the fight in the stands but there were some words in the parking lot, (although that may have been between two wings fans).
Also when Durdin was down, the fans started counting, Fort Wayne isin't perfect by any means, but thats terrible.
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 18, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Good day all. I thought the game was awesome. It is so much fun being down a coile of goals and hearing the trash from the fans and then scoring 2 goals back to back and the hush that occurs. Priceless. Wow was the beer colder than usual. Too many went down way to smooth. My work may suffer today. Ha! I'ove being Irish!
Posted by: Conley | March 18, 2008 at 07:42 AM
Good day all. I thought the game was awesome. It is so much fun being down a coile of goals and hearing the trash from the fans and then scoring 2 goals back to back and the hush that occurs. Priceless. Wow was the beer colder than usual. Too many went down way to smooth. My work may suffer today. Ha! I'ove being Irish!
Posted by: Conley | March 18, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Man wish I could figure out how to stop tgus double posting. My name is Conley and I'm a double poster. Can anyone enligten me. I'm not the smartest in the new age of computers.
Posted by: Conley | March 18, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Man wish I could figure out how to stop tgus double posting. My name is Conley and I'm a double poster. Can anyone enligten me. I'm not the smartest in the new age of computers.
Posted by: Conley | March 18, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Test
Posted by: Conley | March 18, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Test
Posted by: Conley | March 18, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Does anyone know when number 94 is slated to be back on the ice?
Posted by: conley | March 18, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Does anyone know when number 94 is slated to be back on the ice?
Posted by: conley | March 18, 2008 at 10:24 AM
to all FW fans who love and support Henley... THANK YOU!!! Without Henley's complete lack of skills (except at TRYING to be a tough guy) we very well might have lost that game. His lack of stick skill and his pee-wee skating skills were such a big help for us, I just want to thank him, and all of you fans of his. I can't wait to see him try to pretend like he can play, in the playoffs. GO HENLEY!
Posted by: fwprisonguard | March 18, 2008 at 10:51 AM
That spat in section nine was prety funny. Seemed to be completely beer enduced. A middle aged man didn't like something some young, 19-25, year old kid said. He turned around and grabbed the kids shirt and yelled. The kid went to get away and ripped his shirt in half. No hits, just words. It was entertaining to watch.
On top of that I am pretty sure a girl three rows in front of me in 10 threw up on herself. At the begining of OT her BF had to carry her out and then the stadium staff had to clean something up. Do you know Conley?
So dissapointing to lose a game like that. Great entertaing game, but so dissapointing.
I imagine that is about as much support as K-zoo gets from fans all year.
Can't wait for Wed! Back home in some comfier seats!! LOL
GO KOMETS!
Posted by: Homco | March 18, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Bouch starts game 7, no question. He's more fundamentally sound the Reiter.
Posted by: Junior | March 18, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I did not see any girl get sick but I almost did. Hehe. I did love when a pick flew off the ice and knocked some dude square in the head. Spilled a little beer but saved the cup. Need to keep an eye on the puck but I give him props for not losing the cerveza.
Posted by: conley | March 18, 2008 at 11:44 AM
I did not see any girl get sick but I almost did. Hehe. I did love when a pick flew off the ice and knocked some dude square in the head. Spilled a little beer but saved the cup. Need to keep an eye on the puck but I give him props for not losing the cerveza.
Posted by: conley | March 18, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Conley, make sure you're not double-clicking the post button when you make a comment. That's what may be causing the double posting.
Posted by: Justin Cohn | March 18, 2008 at 12:00 PM
At the price of beer I would have saved it too LOL
Did anyone else see at a home game, I think the Port Huron one, during warm up a puck went over the wall and looked like it landed directly in a drink that was sitting on the wall without knocking the cup down.
Impressive
Posted by: Homco | March 18, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Justin, I have trouble with the dreded double post as well, but only at school on my Mac, not at home on my PC. Could that be the reason?
Posted by: Hoss | March 18, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Justin, I have trouble with the dreded double post as well, but only at school on my Mac, not at home on my PC. Could that be the reason?
Posted by: Hoss | March 18, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Ok. Thanks Justin. I will that. If it continues I appologize.
Posted by: conley | March 18, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Aww...I guess that little win streak did skid mark! I really enjoyed all the Vomit fans driving all the way up to KZOO to see their beloved Vomits get beat! Willis was an animal last night baby!!!
Posted by: WillisRockz | March 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Aww...I guess that little win streak did skid mark! I really enjoyed all the Vomit fans driving all the way up to KZOO to see their beloved Vomits get beat! Willis was an animal last night baby!!!
Posted by: WillisRockz | March 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Conley...you're killing me bro.
Posted by: St.Christopher | March 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Hey willy peeblez...someone has to support your economy, might as well be Komets fans. Booyah chicken lips!
Posted by: St.Christopher | March 18, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Hoss. Man I can't shake it. I hope I'm not contagious.
Posted by: conley | March 18, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Hey Cohny talked to Bert at the MAC after the morning skate, told him I lost a case of beer on him with no goal last night, he got a good laugh out of it and said his two assists should drop the case down to a 12 pack.
Posted by: St.Christopher | March 18, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Our economy? Let's be realistic here, a few hundred Vomit fans could hardly spike the selling of cold beer. Oh yeah, wasn't that green ice just the coolest thing ever? I heard Willis even picked the shade of green paint under the ice. Also, rumor has it that Mr. Willis sleep in his jock strap, cause he is an athlete in the bedroom too! So, it's just not on the ice!!!
Posted by: WillisRockz | March 18, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Our economy? Let's be realistic here, a few hundred Vomit fans could hardly spike the selling of cold beer. Oh yeah, wasn't that green ice just the coolest thing ever? I heard Willis even picked the shade of green paint under the ice. Also, rumor has it that Mr. Willis sleep in his jock strap, cause he is an athlete in the bedroom too! So, it's just not on the ice!!!
Posted by: WillisRockz | March 18, 2008 at 01:07 PM
There was also a physical fist-fight behind section 25 after the game. It's was a better fight than Legault and Nebus.
And BTW, the Wings average over 3,000 a game.
Yes I noticed the puck was bouncing like crazy last night.
Anyone else notice that there were FEW Komet fans last night? Maybe 100 or less? Man I was pretty bummed...
Posted by: FWKRTJ | March 18, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Willy Pebblez I think you and Conley must be related. I gotta laugh bro you are one funny cat, In all honesty, love coming up to your house it's a good show. BTW my mother is from K'zoo and G'ma from S.Haven...yes they are still Kwings fans even though they live in the "FORT" now.
Posted by: St.Christopher | March 18, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Green Ice game in KZoo is a drunk fest and a sellout every year. That is one road game I am glad to miss.
Posted by: Shawn | March 18, 2008 at 01:31 PM
sorry justin for new email address...our damn college changed the addy...but guys to me..the mvp needs to be Pierre Claude Drouin!!! look at wat he has done for this team...amazing....so glad we picked him up..oh well the komets lost in a shootout...we still should win the playoffs with ease...the komets are great....great coach and great players....i miss home already...i cant wait for the 22nd to see the komets back in action and by the way never stay at the makai beach lodge last night we had a guy threaten to shoot everyone
Posted by: kometfan | March 18, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Dude, its not a rumor about Willy sleeping in his jock if you've been there to see it. I know you guys just cuddled, spooned it you will, so just come clean, bro. Tell us how you really know that Willis is an animal in the bedroom.
Can't we kick this trash out of here. Go back to your craphole Wings Stadium message board and discuss how your team will crawl its way into the playoffs. You clowns sneak by us in a shootout once and your on here jacking your jaws like it means something. The Komets have OWNED the Wings all season.
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | March 18, 2008 at 02:10 PM
what do the komets have to prove to anyone you kwings fans....ur team got lucky...we dont have to claw our way to the playoffs..we have a great team and great coach....leave it at that...we are good dont be jealous..right jungle monkey!! lol......man....i wish i was back there watchin these games!!!
Posted by: kometfan | March 18, 2008 at 02:18 PM
where were all u wings fans the rest of this season? you manage to beat us when we have nothing left to play for, and 2 of our best players are out. Guess you have to be proud of what few wins ya get..
Enjoy your win now wings fans. If you come across the Komets in the playoffs im pretty sure it will look a tad different.
oh wait.. maybe ya cracked the code to beating us. Im sure you all saw our "A" game last night.
Posted by: komets123 | March 18, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Just wanted to thank all you "special" ft wayne fans. I have NEVER seen so many Larry The Cable Guy impersonators in one place!! Did you all come up together? Was it a Komets Kontest or something? (OOPS, Hope you don't all REALLY dress like that. sorry!)Too bad the green beer wasn't Pabst or Colt45, fewer of you might have puked!
I sent an email to the IHL hoping to get Henley an assist. He really deservs it for helping us out on that goal! Next time your team travles, tell them to stick to singing "The wheels on the bus"... 99 bottles of beer on the wall confused Henley. Too much counting for him!
Posted by: thanks | March 18, 2008 at 03:03 PM
HENLEY-ENVY is contagious be careful with that case you have.
Posted by: Jungle Monkey | March 18, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Hey "thanks" us 'special' Komet fans will take our Huber cup back to Fort Wayne
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 18, 2008 at 03:33 PM
not to mention our 10-1-2 record against the Wings.
Posted by: Ryne Gurney | March 18, 2008 at 03:34 PM
11-1-2
Posted by: Brando | March 18, 2008 at 03:49 PM
I think it is more like 11-1-2 now with one meeting to go...but who is counting? The Wings need us to knock out their competition for the playoff spots....hmm? 5 games with Flint left...I wonder if those are important points to Wings fans? Look at the big picture...I am not stooping to that level and nor did I do it last night...when people picked on me I just replied we are in the playoffs...are you? Or I can name 11 Wings players and have seen them play 10 times have you? Only one person who said anything could ever answer yes to either question. I hope K-zoo gets in because it is an easier destination to pack with Orange. I even told the fans in front of me if you win the game I am happy for you because I do not want Flint/Musk to make it. Also I just didn't want Bouchers streak of 18 consecutive starts without a regulation loss to end...and it didn't so I am happy. Note:I didn't have any green beer but did get a pretzel with two cups of cheese for 2.50. I think I ripped them off...or is the coliseum ripping us off? lol
Posted by: Tom | March 18, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Hey Buckos- to bad k-z00 don't have anyone tough enough for King- Kong HENLEY to fight cause he would put the smack-down on them!!
Posted by: mightbite | March 18, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Yep, right after he turned over the puck, and handed them a goal, he'd "beat em up!" He was real tough last two games against us huh?
Oh, my dad can beat up your dad, and I know you are but what am I?
The Ft. Wayne fan IQ, while sad, is always good for a laugh.
Is the cup you keep mentioning a jock worn by some guy named Huber? OR, it's that just equal to what it means?
Posted by: Miwhttrsh | March 18, 2008 at 04:30 PM
The only reason Henley fell down was because he couldn't stop laughing at We-little-Willy in his annual Leprechaun outfit.
Posted by: Wingmnn | March 18, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Mrs. Mightbite here ...
- at least our IQs don't have minus signs in front of them.
- and if the Huber is a jock stap, why are you crying that you'll never touch it!?!?!
KZoo wins one ... whoooo are we worried now LOL.
Posted by: Mrs. Mightbite | March 18, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Better remind Flint to leave early again tomorrow, looks to be crappy weather once again...
Posted by: Henley67250 | March 18, 2008 at 05:11 PM