Lynx have extra bounce in their step after victory

The Augusta Lynx seemed to make a statement Tuesday night against South Carolina.

They aren't content in last place.

"That was a huge win for us, now we're right back in the mix of things," forward Matt Dzieduszycki said.

The Lynx responded positively to a potentially disastrous second-period Stingrays goal, had a couple bounces go their way for once, and - most importantly - earned their biggest win of the season (4-1).

"After that goal we gave up late in the second period, which was very sloppy, they could've gone either way," coach Stan Drulia said. "We had some words and we sorted things out and the guys went out and responded in the third period.

"Hopefully they can build off it going into Columbia."

A win in regulation tonight against the Inferno in Columbia would get Augusta (6-8-2, 14 points) out of last place in the ECHL's American Conference for the first time since early in the season. Columbia (6-5-3, 15) and Greenville (7-9-1, 15) are tied for fourth, one point ahead of Augusta in the East Division.

After a home game against Louisiana (7-4-2, 16) on Saturday, the Lynx travel to Greenville on Sunday.

Augusta is trying to make a move in the standings in its final eight games before the holiday break.

"It's a lot better feeling when you win," forward Mike Sandbeck said. "Emotions are a lot higher, you feel a lot better. It's what we want to do - consistently, not win a game here, win a game there.

"We want to get on a good streak and get back up in the standings."

Now is as good a time as any for Augusta to get on that run. Tuesday's outing was the most complete game by the Lynx all season. Rookie Ken Magowan became the first Augusta player to score multiple goals in a game (he had three), and goaltender Jason Saal was one second shy of the Lynx's first shutout of the season (with 35 saves).

One of the biggest differences in Tuesday's game was on offense. Magowan spent a lot of time around the net, and it paid off with Augusta's first two goals.

"(We have to) just be willing to pay the price in there until that thing goes in the net," Dzieduszycki said. "That's what we haven't been doing, but we started to do it last game."

And the way Saal has played recently, three or four goals per game are all the Lynx need.

The veteran goaltender has not allowed more than two regulation goals in his past four games, lowering his goals against average to 2.65 and raising his save percentage to .908. Saal (2-1-1 in four consecutive starts) has done his part to move the Lynx out of last place.

Now it's offense's turn.

"If we can continue how we finished (Tuesday) into this next game," Dzieduszycki said, "we'll be OK."

LYNX AT INFERNO

WHEN: 7:30, tonight

WHERE: Carolina Coliseum

RADIO: WRDW-AM 1630

WEBCAST: www.augustalynx.com

Reach Kristy Shonka at (706) 823-3216 or kristy.shonka@augustachronicle.com.