The Komets got a pair of goals from Colin Chaulk and another from Leo Thomas, but the real story of this game was the defense, which killed off eight consecutive power plays after giving up a goal the first time the Mallards had the man advantage. Even though Quad City had nine power plays to the Komets' four, goaltender Nick Boucher only had to make 21 saves as the Komets out-shot the Mallards 33-22.
Fort Wayne, 14-8-1, has allowed three goals or less in 19 games this season.
``We only gave them three shots in the second period when they had four power plays," Komets coach Al Sims said. ``We did a great job killing penalties, and got a power-play goal of our own. I think the whole team played well for us to overcome the penalties and still come out on top."
Quad City scored first in the opening period when Juris Stals potted a power-play goal at 6:09. The Mallards maintained the lead until halfway through the second period when Chaulk scored his third of the season at 12:49 off assists from Justin Chwedoruk and Guy Dupuis. Leo Thomas gave Fort Wayne a 2-1 lead with a power-play goal at 18:54 off assists from Brandon Warner and Frankie DeAngelis.
The Mallards fought back and thought they had tied the game on a Shane Lovdahl power-play goal with 3:22 remaining, but referee Craig Welker disallowed the goal, saying a Mallards' player had illegally advance the puck to a teammate with the hand in the offensive zone. The Komets then iced the contest when Chaulk scored into an open net with 18 seconds remaining off a Brad MacMillan assist.
After scoring only one goal on his first 41 shots of the season, Chaulk has now scored three in his last 13 shots over four games. He has for points in the first two games of the weekend.
``Anytime Chaulker comes up with two goals, we usually win,'' Sims said. ``His line with Chwedoruk and (David) Hukalo dominated tonight and really created a lot of chances. Brandon Warner played his first full game on defense and really did a good job, too.''
The Komets are 5-0-1 against Quad City this season and 6-6 on the road. The win ended a three-game road losing streak.
Fort Wayne finishes the weekend with a 5 p.m. game at Bloomington before taking three days off for Christmas.
