The Generals Fall in a Heartbreaking Loss To Quad City

FLINT, Michigan -- The Generals' two game win streak came to an end Wednesday night by the hands of the visiting Quad City Mallards. Flint fell to Quad City, 4-3, in a shoot-out.

Although the Generals suffered a gut-wrenching loss, the mentality of the team remains positive. There's no doubt that the Generals are disappointed with the "L", but they continued to play some of their best hockey of the year against the Mallards.

"It's a tough loss because we battled back, they scored with 30 seconds left (in regulation), it's a learning experience," said John Mori. "We need to play a complete game at all times, we can't let up."

Flint's Rick Smith drew first blood with his goal in the opening period (Rheaume), but Quad City would strike back just eight minutes later with Chris Lipsett's power play goal. Flint's penalty killing continues to struggle, Quad City was successful with the man advantage on two out of four chances.

The Generals' rookie net-minder, Rob Nolan, gave up two goals in the first period. Nolan eventually bounced back with his solid play in the second and third periods, keeping his team within striking distance.

John Ronan lit the lamp for his eleventh time this season with his power play goal in the second period. The Generals went one for two on the power play, which is currently sixth in the league at just under 15% (14.8%).

Jamie Schaafsma, Flint's leading goal scorer, netted his twelfth of the year in the second period when he undressed Quad City goaltender Kyle Jones. Schaafsma put the Generals ahead 3-2 with the help of a beautiful assist courtesy of John Mori.

Schaafsma has the Generals in hits and goals in the last four games and continues to be a model of consistency for Flint's offense.

Patrick Levesque of Quad City scored on an empty netter to tie the game with less than a minute to go and send it to overtime.

Quad City's Juris Stals and Levesque netted the deciding goals in the shoot-out.

The Generals now drop to 1-3 in shoot-outs, 10-18-1-3 overall.

Flint will host the Komets of Fort Wayne on Saturday, January 2, 2010 -- with hopes of ushering the new decade with their second straight win over the two-time defending Turner Cup champions.