Growlers steal Game 2 from Royals to even series 1-1

The Reading Royals, proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, fell to the Newfoundland Growlers, 4-1, Sunday, May 8 at Santander Arena in Game 2 of the Division Final round of the 2022 Kelly Cup playoffs. Newfoundland tied up the series at 1-1 after dropping Game 1 and winning Game 2 in Reading, Pennsylvania. Royals goaltender Pat Nagle saved 32 of 35 shots faced while Growlers goalie Keith Petruzzelli saved 26 of 27 shots faced.

BOX SCORE 

The Growlers struck first 11:19 into the first period on their first of two power play goals on three chances in the game. Ben Finklestein snapped a shot from the top of the zone past Nagle’s left side to score his second goal of the postseason and provide Newfoundland an early lead after the first period, 1-0.

Newfoundland extended their lead just 94 seconds into the second period off of a turnover by the Royals in their own zone. A puck rattling down the boards skipped over Garrett Cecere’s stick to allow the nine-year pro, Zach O’Brien to play the puck and snap a quick shot through Nagle’s five-hole.Tyler Boland scored moments later to jolt Newfoundland ahead by three goals on the second power play goal of the game for the Growlers. Boland received a cross crease feed in the left face off circle and shot a bullet top shelf for his team leading ninth goal in the Kelly Cup playoffs. O’Brien and Finklestein earned the helpers on Boland’s first goal of the series as O’Brien collected his third point and Finkelstein earned his second point in the game.

Reading responded with their lone goal of the game off the stick of Kevin Conley. The rookie redirected a shot from Dominic Cormier along the goal line to the left of Petruzzelli in net to score his second goal of the series.

Trailing by two goals, the Royals fell short of a third period comeback as Derian Plouffe sealed the Game 2 victory for the Growlers with an empty net goal with 30 seconds remaining in regulation. Reading’s loss snaps a three-game win streak dating back to the opening series Games 5 win against the Maine Mariners. Reading’s specialty teams went 0-for-4 on the power play and 1-for-3 on the penalty kill. The two allowed power play goals ends a perfect 11-for-11 penalty kills in the playoffs for Reading.

The Royals continue their 2022 Kelly Cup playoff run against the Newfoundland Growlers in Game 3 of the Divisional Final round Tuesday, May 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Mary Browns Centre in St.John’s, Newfoundland.

PLAYOFF GAME TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR GAME 2 TOMORROW NIGHT!

Buy tickets HERE: www.royalshockey.com/promotions

Reading Royals season, flex memberships and group tickets are available for the 2021-22 season by visiting the Royals’ box office at Santander Arena or by calling 610-898-7825.

About the North Division and Eastern Conference Champion Royals

The Reading Royals, proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, are entering their 20th season in the ECHL. They won their first Kelly Cup championship in 2013 and have clinched playoff berths in 11 of the previous 12 seasons. They are five-time division champions and the 2021-22 Eastern Conference champion. The Berks County Convention Center Authority (BCCCA), founded in 1996, owns the Royals and oversees operations at Santander Arena.