Condors Take 3-2 Series Lead With 4-3 OT Win In Game Five

Published on April 19, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Bakersfield, CA - The Las Vegas Wranglers (2-3) were defeated by the Bakersfield Condors (3-2) 4-3 in overtime in Game Five of the Pacific Division Semi Finals in front of 5,173 fans Saturday night at Rabobank Arena. Left wing Mark Derlago completed his hat trick with by scoring just 11-seconds into overtime to lift the Condors to a 4-3 win. Bakersfield takes a 3-2 lead in their best of seven series with Las Vegas. Wranglers' defenseman Bret Tyler, as well as forwards Scott McCulloch and Justin Taylor each scored in the defeat. Las Vegas goalie John DeCaro made 22 saves in the loss. Bakersfield goalie Yutaka Fukufuji stopped 36 Wranglers' shots in the victory. Las Vegas will return home to host Bakersfield and Game Six at the Orleans Arena on Tuesday night at 7:30 PM.

The Condors jumped out to a quick first-period lead with two goals in a two-minute span in the first five minutes of the game. Bakersfield tallied the first goal of the night just 3:27 into Game Five, taking a 1-0 lead. Forward Brett Pilkington redirected a Tom Morrow shot from the point, scoring his second goal of the playoffs. The Condors stretched the lead to two goals with a power-play goal by Mark Derlago just 2:02 later. The Condors left wing scored off a rebound of a Chad Painchaud shot for the 2-0 lead and his third goal of the playoffs. Two Condors were whistled for two penalties at 14:18, giving the Wranglers a five-on-three power play. Las Vegas capitalized at 15:05, as center Justin Taylor put in a rebound for his first goal of the playoffs. Defensemen Dan Spang and Sean Owens each assisted on the goal. The Condors led 2-1 after one period of play.

In the second period, Las Vegas tied the game 2-2 just 1:50 into the second frame. Wranglers' rookie forward snapped a shorthanded wrist shot past Bakersfield goalie Yutaka Fukufuji, scoring his second goal of the playoffs. Las Vegas nearly scored a second shorthanded at the 15:50 marker. As a Condors power-play was expiring, the Wranglers carried the puck up ice, creating a three-on-one breakaway. Center Chris Neiszner set up Bret Tyler's first career playoff goal, giving the Wranglers the lead at 3-2. The Condors countered quickly off a face-off in the Las Vegas zone. Bakersfield center Dave Bonk played the puck off the draw to Derlago, who scored his fourth goal of the post-season at 16:35, tying the game 3-3 after two periods of play.

After a scoreless third period, the two teams would go to overtime. Off the face-off for overtime, the Condors quickly worked the puck to the left wing for Derlago, who carried the puck into the Wranglers zone. Derlago ripped a slapshot past John DeCaro just 11-seconds into the overtime for the 4-3 win and his first post-season hat trick.

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.

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

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

Game 5: Las Vegas 3 at Bakersfield 4 OT F (Bakersfield Leads Series 3-2)

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.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from April 19, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central