Rayz are winner in Corpus Christi

In four games, Youngstown (2-2-1) has scored the first goal. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- Playing its third game in as many nights, the Youngstown SteelHounds ice hockey team got off to a great start Sunday by scoring the first two goals. But the Corpus Christi Rayz (3-1-0) responded by scoring five of the next six goals to pin a 5-3 defeat on the expansion SteelHounds. Jeff Christian had a goal and two assists while Darryl Lloyd scored two goals as Youngstown went 1-2 in the weekend trip to Memphis and Texas. How they stand After five road games to open the Central Hockey League season, the SteelHounds have a .500 record (2-2-1). The SteelHounds continued their strong play, scoring the first goal of the game for the fourth consecutive game. Lloyd cleaned up a solid play that saw Christian and Chris Richards back-hand passes to each other and eventually finding Lloyd on the back door for his third goal of the season. It also was his third goal in the last three games. The SteelHounds added to their lead with a power-play goal later in the frame. Christian cleaned up a rebound on the doorstep after Jeff Alcombrack blasted a shot on goal that goaltender Brent Zelenewich had trouble handling. Richards and Alcombrack (his third straight game with a point) drew assists. Corpus Christi outshot the SteelHounds 9-8 but goaltender David St. Germain made nine saves. The Rayz came back early in the second period, scoring twice in the first two minutes of the frame. Frick's third goal Matt Frick scored his third goal of the season just 1:04 into the second period. Fifty-six seconds later, Blair Stayzer scored his first goal of the season, tying the game at 2-2. The Rayz took the lead at the 16:28 mark on a four-on-four goal scored by Randy Murphy (his third goal and ninth point of the season). Corpus Christi outshot the Hounds 18-13 in the period and led 3-2 after 40 minutes. The third period presented a chance for the Rayz power play to take advantage of the SteelHounds as both Shawn Legault and Randy Murphy connected for power play goals. The SteelHounds third-period goal came off the stick of Lloyd. It was his fourth in his last five games. Corpus Christi outshot the SteelHounds 39-31 in the game as St. Germain falls to 1-2-1 despite making 34 saves. Youngstown begins a six-game homestand on Friday night with their home opener against the Oklahoma City Blazers. Face-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and tickets are available by calling (330) 747-PUCK.