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ECHL Tulsa Oilers

Carr Looms Large for Oilers in 2-1 Shootout Triumph over Thunder

April 10, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release


WICHITA, KS - For a second straight game, Tulsa Oilers rookie goalie Kevin Carr was called upon to shutdown the Wichita Thunder and for a second straight game, Carr rose to the occasion. The 24-year made 22 of his 43 saves in the third period and overtime before stopping five shootout attempts to lead his squad to a 2-1 victory on Friday night at INTRUST Bank Arena. Carr and the Oilers closed out the StoneWolf Casino Cup series with a 12-2-0 record against Wichita and claimed the Cup for the second straight season. The win moves the Oilers into third place in the Central Division standings and they will finish as either the third or fourth seed in the first round of the playoffs depending on the outcome of Saturday's regular season finale in Quad City.

After the Oilers and Thunder battled to a scoreless draw through the opening period, Wichita captain Ian Lowe created the only blemish on Carr's night at 8:41 of the second frame. With the Thunder on a power play, Lowe moved laterally across the left face off circle and teed up a heavy slapped shot that sizzled past Carr for a 1-0 Wichita advantage. The lead created by Lowe's 20th goal of the season only lasted less than three minutes as Dave Pszenyczny answered back for the Oilers at the 11:11 mark. Adam Pleskach seized a loose puck behind the Thunder cage and centered a pass to Pszenyczny who was lurking in front of the crease. The Oilers' veteran defenseman snapped a shot over the shoulder of Tim Boron for his 10th goal of the season to draw the Oilers even.

Both sides enjoyed quality scoring opportunities in the third but Carr and Boron stood tall to send the contest into an extra session. Several shifts of heavy pressure from the Thunder created no result and for the fourth time in their 14-game series, the long-time rivals headed for a shootout. In round two, Tulsa defenseman Scott Macaulay beat Boron to the blocker side to give his team an early edge. The narrow margin would be all the Oilers needed as Carr, with the help of one goalpost, denied denied all five Thunder shooters to seal the win.

Carr, who was in net for every single game against Wichita this season, picked up his 30th win of the season and recorded his second-highest save total of the season. The Oilers went 0-for-5 on the power play while the Thunder finished 1-for-6 on the man-advantage.

If the Oilers win in Quad City tomorrow night, they will lock up the third seed and face the Rapid City Rush in round one of the Kelly Cup playoffs. If the Oilers lose to the Mallards, they will finish fourth and take on the Allen Americans in the first round of the postseason.

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