Wranglers Even Series With 4-0 Game Four Victory

Published on April 18, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Bakersfield, CA - The Las Vegas Wranglers (2-2) defeated the Bakersfield Condors (2-2) 4-0 in Game Four of the Pacific Division Semi Finals in front of 5,592 fans Friday night at Rabobank Arena. Las Vegas goalie John DeCaro made 34 saves for his first career playoff shutout, tying the best of seven series 2-2 and forcing Game 6 on Tuesday night in Las Vegas at 7:30 pm. Wranglers forwards Mick Lawrence, Kelly Czuy, Dan Riedel and J.D. Watt each scored in the victory. Bakersfield goalie Yutaka Fukufuji suffered the loss, stopped 33 of 37 Las Vegas shots. Las Vegas will remain in Bakersfield for Game Five at Rabobank Arena on Saturday night at 7:00 PM.

The Wranglers took a 2-0 lead after one period of play with a pair of power-play goals 29-seconds apart. Las Vegas tallied the first goal of the night with a five-on-three advantage. Center Justin Taylor played the puck to Kelly Czuy, who beat Yutaka Fukufuji with a backhander at 5:58 for the 1-0 Las Vegas lead. Just 29-seconds later, Adam Miler found J.D. Watt in front of the Condors net for his first professional playoff goal at 6:27 for the 2-0 Wranglers lead. The end of the period was marred by a line brawl that led to Wranglers Captain Shawn Limpright and Condors leading scorer Chad Painchaud getting thrown out of the game.

After a scoreless second period, left wing Mick Lawrence padded the Wranglers lead with his first goal of the playoffs at 3:59. Center Justin Taylor centered for Lawrence, who was left all alone in front of the Bakersfield net for the 3-0 Wranglers lead. At 11:37, Dan Riedel scored his second goal of the playoffs, extending the Las Vegas lead to 4-0.

Tickets for Game Six are on sale now. Game Six is set for Tuesday at the Orleans Arena at 7:30 pm.

The series remains in Bakersfield for Game Five at Rabobank Arena at 7:00 PM on Saturday night. The series will shift back to Las Vegas for Games Six and Seven at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena. Game Six is slated for Tuesday, April 21st and if needed, Game Seven is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd.

Pacific Division Semi-Finals Las Vegas vs. Bakersfield

Game 1: Bakersfield 1 at Las Vegas 3 F

Game 2: Bakersfield 3 at Las Vegas 2 F

Game 3: Las Vegas 5 at Bakersfield 6 OT F

Game 4: Las Vegas 4 at Bakersfield 0 F (Series tied 2-2)

Game 5: Las Vegas at Bakersfield on Saturday, April 18th at 7:00 PM at Rabobank Arena

Game 6: Bakersfield at Las Vegas on Tuesday, April 21st at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena

Game 7: Bakersfield at Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena - X

Best of Seven Series X = If Necessary

Playoff strip packages are available immediately at (702) 471-7825 (PUCK).

2009-10 season seat packages are on sale now at (702) 471-PUCK. The Wranglers play all 36 regular season home games at the Orleans Arena, located at the Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue. Individual game tickets are on sale now at (702) 284-7777.

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ECHL Stories from April 18, 2009


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