Scorpions snap 4-game losing skid

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Goalie Andrew Martin made Kevin Harvey's second-period goal stood up as New Mexico gained two points on both Arizona and Odessa in the Southwest Division standings.

Martin made 22 saves and with help from a revitalized defense kept the Ice Bats out of the net on seven power play opportunities. Good thing, too: The Scorpions managed were 0-for-6 on their own power play as Austin goalie xxx Beaudry had 36 saves of his own.

"I thought the goaltending was pretty even," New Mexico coach Randy Murphy said. "We were lucky to get a goal off of him.

"I told the guys (after the game) that when one area of the special teams isn't working that you'd better make sure that the other one is. Our power play defense has been as good the last two nights as it has been all year long."

New Mexico opened a seven-game homestand on Tuesday with a 2-1 loss in overtime to Arizona, but it gave confidence to Martin, who watched Mike Minard in goal and saw the Scorpions' defense respond after three straight road losses by a combined total of 22-9.

"I was definately more confident after watching that game," Martin said. "Minnie was great, and the team was feeding off of it. "

The Scorpions will play Austin again Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. The game will be preceeded at 4 p.m. by a "Cops vs. Fire" game between area public safety officers as part of "Salute to the Badges Night."

For ticket information, go call 881-PUCK or go to www.ScorpionsHockey.com. Complete league statistics and standings are available at www.CentralHockeyLeague.com.

Story will be updated with additonal quotes.