IceCats take Game 1 over Black Bears

Florence, SC- The Binghamton Black Bears fell on the road in Game 1 of the Commissioners Cup Finals 5-2, to the Pee Dee IceCats.  Pee Dee takes a 1-0 series lead before the final leg of the series in South Carolina.    

Pee Dee was able to get the party started with their first power play of the night.  The IceCats converted for just their third time this postseason thanks to Elijah Wilson.  Binghamton was able to find a quick answer two and half minutes later.  Scott Ramaekers scored a wrist shot from just inside the blue line for his first goal of the playoffs.  The IceCats got the final say in the period.  Dzianis Zaichyk scored from the slot, giving Pee Dee a 2-1 lead after one. 

In the second period, Binghamton came out hot.  Austin D'Orazio was able to quickly tie the game at 2-2 for the Black Bears.  Binghamton was just not able to find the go-ahead goal after the equalizer.  Dominiks Marcinkevics was given an inch out wide and made it a mile, reclaiming the lead for the IceCats at 7:51 of the frame.  Pee Dee got the insurance goal they were searching for when Alex Legkov scored a second power play goal for the 'Cats.  

Even though the Black Bears were down by two going into the third, the effort did not waiver.  Binghamton had 14 shots on goal in the third and held Pee Dee to just three.  Unfortunately, the special teams battle did not tilt the ice in favor of Binghamton in Game 1, as Binghamton finished 0-4 and Pee Dee 2-3.  

A late empty net goal from the IceCats sealed Game 1 in their favor 5-2.