Early season woes continued for the Toledo Walleye Saturday night as they were shutout 2-0 by the Chicago Express. This was Toledo's first visit to play the Express at their home barn, the Sears Center, since the team joined the ECHL this season.
Despite two power-play opportunities in the first period, the Fish were unable to get any viable shots on net. Their five in the first period were all stopped by Chicago netminder Paul Dainton.
It was another story for the Express, who tallied a short-handed goal to take the lead. While Trent Palm was in the box for high sticking, Tyler Johnson found himself a lane and shot from the left circle. The shot just went past Toledo goaltender Thomas McCollum on the blocker side for the goal.
Things didn't improve in the second for the Walleye, who were shut down offensively once again. Chicago dominated defensively, limiting the shots Toledo could take, and offensively, taking the 2-0 lead at the 6:26 mark of the period.
Tyler Johnson struck again, sending the puck towards the Walleye net where it was deflected past McCollum by right wing Pierre-Luc Faubert. It was the third goal of the season for Faubert, tying him for the most goals on the team with Blair Riley.
A quick fight between Toledo's Justin Pender and Chicago's Bobby Robins gave both teams a bit of a jump but a late effort from the Walleye was not enough as they were unable to beat goaltender Dainton.
Sitting at 1-3-0 on the season, things are only going to get tougher for the Walleye as the 2011-12 season heads into its second month. They set out on their first lengthy road trip of the year this week for three games down south. The Fish visit Greenville on Thursday, South Carolina Saturday and Gwinnett Sunday.
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