Controversial goal sinks Tornado in overtime on Saturday
February 12, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Texas Tornado News Release
The Texas Tornado climbed out of a two-goal deficit in the 3rd period, but a controversial goal in overtime gave the Amarillo Bulls a 3-2 win in Frisco on Saturday in front of 2,504 fans at the Dr Pepper Arena. The Tornado, who were playing their third game in as many nights, managed to take five of six points on the weekend and stay tied with the Bulls for 2nd place in the NAHL South Division.
Jimmy Kruger shined in the 1st period making 14 saves for the Tornado, who were playing their third game in as many nights. On the other end Nikifor Szczerba was equally as good in between the pipes for the Amarillo Bulls making 11 saves. Despite the scoreless period, both teams had their chances, but were unable to capitalize.
All that changed in the 2nd period as the Bulls took control. The Bulls struck first as two failed attempts to clear the zone by the Tornado, led to a chance in the high slot by Karl Beckman who beat Kruger over the glove for a 1-0 Bulls lead. Less than a minute later, a 3 on 2 rush by the Bulls got the puck in the high slot to John Rey, who fired a slapshot off the post and in behind Kruger for a 2-0 Amarillo lead. The Tornado seemed to show some signs of fatigue as the period wore on.
As they have the last few weeks, the Tornado stormed back in the 3rd period. Texas made it 2-1 as Ralfs Freibergs bombed a slapshot home from the point that beat Szczerba over the glove to draw the Tornado within one. With less than two minutes remaining the Tornado equalized, as a good play to keep the puck alive at the point by Walker Hyland gave him the chance to fire the puck on net, which was saved by Szczerba, but the rebound went right to Marc Biggs who scored the game-tying goal with just 1:52 left.
In the overtime, controversy ensued as a 2 on 1 rush by the Bulls netted the game-winning goal Michael Erickson, who appeared to kick the puck in behind Kruger. The play was allowed to stand, drawing the Tornado again into a tie for 2nd place with the Bulls, both with 60 points.
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