Cats Rally to Defeat Bulls in Amarillo
November 21, 2015 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wichita Falls Wildcats clawed their way into overtime and sank the Amarillo Bulls in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday night, coming from behind late and defeating the Bulls in overtime by a score of 5-4.
Amarillo's star goaltender was between the pipes again for the Bulls, and he had played exceptionally the last time these teams met. He stopped 90 of the 94 shots he faced over the weekend two weeks ago, and got off to a strong start again for the Bulls. However, after making a few tough saves early on, Jonny Lazarus ripped a shot from the slot after being set up in stride by Austin Beaulieu in the neutral zone. Less than three minutes later, however, the Bulls responded with a goal of their own. George Mika fired a shot off of Julian Sime and into the back of the net to tie the game up at one.
The Wildcats have made a habit of responding quickly to opposing goals. They did just that, as Austin Beaulieu snapped a one-timer through the five-hole of Martinsson from long range after being set up by Jake Dalton. The Cats would head into the second period with a 2-1 lead.
Just 36 seconds into the middle frame, Austin Albrecht fired a wrist shot through the pads of Martinsson to add an insurance goal. However, Amarillo's top line was firing on all cylinders. Mika, Joey Molinaro, Johan Lundgren combined for three of the four Amarillo goals on the night, two of which came in the second period to tie the game for the Bulls heading into period three.
The Wildcats were undisciplined throughout the game, and the penalty kill struggled. Garrett Van Wyhe took three penalties, one of which resulted in a power play goal. Then, midway through the third, Erich Jaeger had his stick caught up high on Johan Lundgren. The Bulls would score on the ensuing power play and leave the Wildcats with just eight minutes to tie the game.
The Wildcats bombarded the Amarillo net. Shots were steered aside left and right by Martinsson. Twenty consecutive third period shots were denied by Martinsson. On the 21st, however, The 20's Line, aided by Austin Beaulieu as a sixth attacker, clawed their way right to the front of the net and smashed the puck past the red-hot goaltender to tie the game for the Wildcats with 0.8 seconds remaining in the game. Albrecht was given his 10th goal of the season.
In 3-on-3 overtime, the Wildcats were given a 4-on-3 power play opportunity to end the game in sudden death. Just ten seconds into the man-advantage, Nikita Litviak set up Adam Goodsir backdoor, and the young gun tapped the puck into a gaping net to end the game and score his 13th as a Wildcat.
Sime made 30 saves for his sixth win, while Martinsson made 55 stops in his 11th loss. The Wildcats play the Lone Star Brahmas on Wednesday, November 25th in North Richland Hills, Texas.
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North American Hockey League Stories from November 21, 2015
- Hats Fly for Birdy - Lone Star Brahmas
- Jr Blues Lose Game Two - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Cats Rally to Defeat Bulls in Amarillo - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Titans Defeat Tomahawks 4-1 - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Knights Beat Rebels 2-1 - Philadelphia Rebels
- Bounce Back - Lone Star Brahmas
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