LEWISTON, ME – The Philadelphia Rebels (17-19-1-1, 36 pts) dropped the opening game of a series with the Maine Nordiques (19-15-1-1, 40 pts) 7-2 on Friday night.
The Rebels scored twice in 22 seconds in the middle of the third period, but it was not enough to get by the Nordiques offense on Friday.
Dom Foglia (8) stepped into a shot to blast it into the net on the power play before Brock Jones scored his third of the season during the third period.
David Deputy, Tyler Stern and Charles Panchisin each recorded an assist during the two quick strikes.
The Rebels were able to withstand early pressure from Maine with a few big saves from Jakub Krbecek in the first few minutes of play.
The Nordiques continued to pepper the Philadelphia net and despite 10 first-period saves from Krbecek, Maine took a 2-0 lead into the second frame.
The Rebels had two late power plays in the first period, including one that carried over into the second period, but Philadelphia was unable to convert on those opportunities.
Jack Fialkoff entered after the Nordiques’ third goal and made 19 saves in relief.
The Maine power play made a big difference on Friday night, scoring three times on the man-advantage. The Nordiques also added a short-handed goal in the contest.
The teams meet again on Saturday night to wrap up the series as the Rebels will look to claw back within two points of Maine in the East Division standings.
