Allen's extra-attacker goal forces OT, helps Condors escape

Published on February 20, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Chris Allen helped force overtime with a game-tying, extra-attacker goal with less than 33 seconds remaining in regulation and goaltender Timo Pielmeier stopped all four shots in a shootout to help the Bakersfield Condors squeak by the Stockton Thunder in a shootout, 5-4, before a crowd of 6,520 at Rabobank Arena on Friday.

The Thunder, who have sole possession of second place in the Pacific Division after gaining a point in 12 of the last 14 games (9-2-3), now trail Bakersfield by seven points for first place. Both teams meet in a 7:00 p.m. rematch at Rabobank Arena on Saturday.

J.F. Caudron led the Thunder offense with a pair of goals, and James Bates and Chris D'Alvise each scored in the third period to help erase a 3-1 deficit and spur a three-goal rally. Matt Pope led the Condors with three points (1g-2a).

Pope's fourth goal in four games since reassignment from the AHL put Bakersfield ahead, 1-0 with 5:38 into the game on a drive from the right circle. Caudron answered to level the score at 1-1 just 1:08 later with his 12th goal of the season, buying a one-timer in the low slot after Oren Eizenman fed him from the left corner.

Bakersfield restored their lead at 2-1 on an Adam Naglich one-timer at the left circle from the rush with 4:28 left in the period, capitalizing on a Thunder line change.

Pokulok, returning to the Bakersfield lineup after his release from an AHL tryout contract with Springfield, drilled home his 11th goal of the year on the power-play at 2:03 of the second period, inflating the cushion to 3-1 on a one-timer at the high slot.

The Thunder then began its rally on Caudron's second goal of the game with 13:07 left in the period, closing the deficit to 3-2 when he gained ground at the top of the crease and got a piece of Eizenman's snapped pass from the right circle.

Capping a 45-second shift with forechecking pressure down low, Bates cashed in with his 17th goal of the season to tie the game at 3-3 with 15:04 left in the game when he buried a rebound at the right circle, seconds after Pielmeier denied Anthony Aiello's shot from the left wing.

The Thunder then silenced the boisterous venue with D'Alvise's team-leading 23rd goal of the season, taking the first lead of the game at 4-3 with 6:25 left in the game. D'Alvise picked up a rebound from Bates' stopped shot and snuck it past Pielmeier's blocker.

On the cusp of stealing two points from the first place counterparts, the Thunder were forced into penalty kill mode for the final minute of regulation after Eizenman was whistled for a trip on Stephane Goulet with 1:03 to play. Allen then tied the game on a slap shot from the right point that threaded its way through traffic at the goal mouth.

Thunder goaltender Andrew Perugini, who made 39 saves in the game, denied a Condors chance to win the game when he snared Pope's rebound at the right goal post with a diving glove save in the final minute of overtime.

Following shootout goals by Goulet (second round) and Aubin (fourth round), Pielmeier put on the finishing touches with a stop on the Thunder's Matt Robinson, who was denied on a wrist shot from beneath the hash marks.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Steve Vanoosten (injured reserve), Mark Pavli (injured reserve), Matt O'Dette (injured reserve), Justin DaCosta (healthy), Riley Emmerson (healthy) and Craig Valette (injured reserve)... the Thunder went 2-for-4 on the power-play... D'Alvise extended his scoring streak to six straight games... Perugini improved to 7-1-2 in the last ten games by forcing overtime.

The Thunder returns to play tomorrow on the road with a rematch against Bakersfield, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Rabobank Arena. The game can be heard online at www.stocktonthunder.com, courtesy of B2 Networks (audio is free of charge).

The Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, has led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew 223,854 fans to Stockton Arena in 2008-09. Season Tickets for 2009-10 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

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ECHL Stories from February 20, 2010


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