Thunder Drop First Game of the Playoffs; Series Even at One
Published on May 2, 2013 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Allen, TX (May 2nd) - Wichita (9-1) dropped its first game of the post-season on Thursday night, losing Game 2 of the CHL Finals 5-2 at the hands of the Allen Americans (9-5) at the Allen Event Center. The series is even at one as the two teams will head to Wichita for the next two. RG Flath and Nathan Lutz scored for the Thunder while Torrie Jung suffered his first loss of the post-season. The two teams combined for 164 minutes in penalties and 52 infractions. Game 3 will take place on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at INTRUST Bank Arena.
The intensity didn't let up at the start of the first period as both teams came out at a frantic pace. Each power play unit had a few chances, but were unable to get into a rhythm. Chris Doyle scored the lone goal of the opening 20 minutes after a turnover ended up on Darryl Bootland's stick and Doyle fired a one-timer that may have been partially deflected over Jung's shoulder.
Wichita had a terrific chance five minutes into the second when Hendrikx was assessed a tripping penalty and Americans Head Coach Steve Martinson was given a bench minor for arguing the call to the official, giving the Thunder a five-on-three power play. The Thunder couldn't find the back of the net and the score remained 1-0 in favor of the Americans. Halfway through, Flath scored his second goal in two games when he and Lutz came down on a two-on-one break and Flath banged home a rebound to the tie the game. However, Allen went on a roll scoring three goals in a four minute span to grab a 4-1 lead. Kale Kerbashian gave Allen the lead back after cutting across the Thunder blue line and beating Jung over the glove. Wichita was awarded a power play on the next shift and Allen was able to gain a two-goal lead with a shorthanded goal from Brian McMillin at 14:58. Todd Robinson scored at 17:09 on a one-timer from the left circle to close out the second period scoring for Allen and sending the contest into the third with the Americans up 4-1.
The third period turned into a song and dance as players were coming together after every whistle. The two teams combined for 13 fighting majors in the final 20 minutes. Kerbashian added his second of the game at 16:28 of the third period to increase the lead to 5-1. Lutz scored his first of the post-season at 17:43 on the power play to make it 5-2. Immediately after, Lutz and Mike Berube dropped the gloves and were kicked out of the game. Lutz collected 17 minutes in penalties in the altercation and finished the game with 31 penalty minutes.
Wichita's winning streak is stopped at nine with its first loss of the playoffs. The Thunder's 11-game win streak is also snapped, which includes the last two games of the regular season. Flath added his team-leading sixth goal of the post-season. Jung suffered his first loss of the post-season, stopping 11 of 15 shots in 40 minutes of work. Dell earned his ninth win of the playoffs, stopping 36 of 37 shots.
Wichita went 1-for-10 on the man advantage while Allen was 0-for-10.
Ray Miron President's Cup Finals - Series 'G' (best-of-7)
Allen Americans vs. Wichita Thunder
Game 1 - Tuesday, April 30th - Wichita at Allen, 4-1 W
Game 2 - Thursday, May 2nd - Wichita at Allen, 5-2 L
Game 3 - Saturday, May 4th - Allen at Wichita, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4 - Sunday, May 5th - Allen at Wichita, 5:05 p.m.
* Game 5 -Tuesday, May 7th - Wichita at Allen, 7:05 p.m.
*Game 6 - Friday, May 10th - Allen at Wichita, 7:05 p.m.
*Game 7 - Saturday, May 11th - Wichita at Allen, 7:05 p.m.
Series is tied 1-1
*if necessary
(All times Central)
The series will move back to Wichita for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Sunday. For tickets, call 755-SEAT, visit the INTRUST Bank Arena box office or online at www.selectaseat.com .
Wichita Thunder season tickets for 2013-14 are now on sale. A $50 dollar non-refundable deposit is required for all season tickets. Contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625 or visit the fan relations table behind section 120 at any Wichita Thunder home game for more information. Join the Blue Revolution today!
Central Hockey League Stories from May 2, 2013
- Thunder Drop First Game of the Playoffs; Series Even at One - Wichita Thunder
- Thunder Ignite CHL Finals Home Games with Weekend Festivities - Wichita Thunder
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