The Salt Lake Golden Eagles started three-goal flurry in the first period en route to a 7-4 International Hockey League victory Tuesday night over the Cleveland Lumberjacks.
The Eagles were aided by a mistake by Cleveland coach Phil Russell. In the lineup card he listed Bruce Racine as goalie but started Rob Dopson instead. Salt Lake coach Bob Francis called the error to the attention of officials, who penalized Cleveland, putting Salt Lake in a power play situation. Just 1:44 into the game Kevin Wortman scored on a power play goal from the top of the right circle. Rich Chernomaz added two other first period goals. The Eagles dominated play in the first period, getting 22 shots on goal to just five for Cleveland.The Eagles padded their lead to 4-0 on a second period goal by Tim Harris then got another second period goal by Paul Holden. Tomas Forslund and Patrick Lebeau added third-period goals.
The Eagles ended a three-game losing streak and a nine-game road losing streak and improved their record to 31-32 Cleveland dropped to 32-27
The Eagles continue their eight-game road trip with a game at Milwaukee tonight. They return to Cleveland Friday, are at Kalamazoo Saturday, and Fort Wayne Sunday.