Komets Crushed By Reading 8-2

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Reading is fighting for the top seed in the ECHL's Eastern Conference playoffs and the Royals looked every bit the part on Wednesday night scoring six goals in the first period to crush the Komets 8-2.

The loss eliminates Fort Wayne from the playoff chase.

Jeff Deslauriers started in goal for the Komets but was replaced by Charlie Effinger midway through the first period after Deslauries gave up three goals. Effinger didn't fare much better, giving up three goals to give the Royals a 6-0 lead after one.

In the second period with Deslauriers back between the pipes the Komets gave up two more goals to go down 8-0 heading into the final frame.

Matt Firman would finally get the Komets on the score board with his 13th goal of the season at 5:26 in the third period to make it 8-1. Nick Wheeler would score his third goal of the year at 15:44 to set the final at 8-2.

On the night the Komets gave up three powerplay goals and one shorthanded goal.

Before the game the Komets announced center/assistant coach Colin Chaulk was placed on the 21-day I.R. and will miss the rest of the season.

The Komets have just five games left in the season. They travel to Elmira on Friday night.