SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE

April 13, 2006

FRESNO – After a dismal end to their ECHL playoff opener, the Gulls got off to a rough start in their next encounter against the Fresno Falcons.

Kelly Cup playoffs Gulls vs. Fresno Opening round (best-of-seven) Game 1: Fresno 4, Gulls 3 (OT) Game 2: Fresno 4, Gulls 3 Tomorrow: at ipayOne Center, 7:35 Saturday: at ipayOne Center, 7:05 Monday: at ipayOne Center, 7:05 April 20: at Fresno, 7:30 April 22: at Fresno, 7:30 If necessary Radio: KPOP (1360-AM)

The Gulls gave up four unanswered goals in the first period last night and couldn't recover, losing 4-3 to go down two games to none in their first-round, best-of-seven Kelly Cup playoff series at Save Mart Center.

Steve Hildenbrand scored his third goal of the series early in the second period to end a run of seven consecutive goals by the Falcons, who claimed a 4-3 overtime victory in Game 1 on Tuesday despite facing a two-goal deficit to start the third period.

Alex Kim converted a short-handed goal for the Gulls with 4:03 left in the third period to account for the final margin.

The Gulls will try to regroup in Game 3 tomorrow when the series shifts to San Diego. After missing out on the playoffs last season, they remain winless in five postseason games since joining the ECHL three years ago.

Gulls goalie Tyler Weiman, who took his second loss of the series, was on the wrong end of an 18-8 difference in shots in the first period. That followed the Falcons' 29-7 edge over the third period and overtime in the opener.

Hildenbrand scored 6:09 into the second period for the Gulls' fourth power-play goal of the series. Cody McLeod followed with his second goal of the series to move the Gulls within 4-2 with 2:59 left in the period.

In the first period, Dustin VanBaliegooie recorded his second series goal to close Fresno's scoring run with 2:03 left. He converted with a two-man advantage for the Falcons' second power-play goal in as many opportunities. Fresno's Shawn Mather had a goal and two assists.

The Falcons welcomed back Luke Curtin, their points leader during the regular season, who had an assist after being sidelined for two weeks with a broken finger.

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