Paulin’s spectacular performance pulls Carolina to 2-1 win against Port Huron

 Winston-Salem, NC – Kyle Kazeroid’s first professional goal proved to be the game-winner against the Prowlers on St. Patrick’s Day, but it was Chris Paulin’s 76-save performance that had Carolina feeling exceptionally lucky. His highest single-game save total was the difference-maker in the Thunderbirds’ 2-1 win on Thursday night.

Carolina was riding high after a trio of wins against the Delaware Thunder last weekend, and looked to bring that momentum home. Joe Cangelosi, one of the longest-tenured Thunderbirds, skated in his first game since November 13^th. Despite both teams racking up an astounding 21 shots apiece in the first period, only one of them found the back of the net. Marvin Powell threw a wrist shot to the net from the left point, and Gus Ford deflected the puck past the goaltender Cory Simons for the 1-0 lead. Ford’s 33^rd of the season carried Carolina into the 1^st intermission with the advantage.

The second period followed a similar script to the first, with 44 shots being split evenly. The goals came a bit more freely, as Kyle Kazeriod grabbed the 2-0 seven minutes into period. Viktor Grebennikov threw the puck to the net, and Kazeriod swept it home for his first professional goal. The two-goal lead would only last 30 seconds, as Alex Johnson returned the favor for Port Huron. Johnson caught a pass in the left-wing circle from Larri Vartiainen and out-waited Chris Paulin before firing it home. The Prowlers had made a dent, but Carolina still carried the lead into the second intermission.

The third period saw no goals entered onto the score sheet, but quite a few shots. Chris Paulin and Cory Simons did their duties to near perfection, and a late defensive-zone stand by the Thunderbirds iced the 2-1 victory.

Carolina has now won four straight games. They play Port Huron for the second game of the weekend Friday night at 7:35. Former Thunderbird Jay Kenney will be honored prior to puck drop.