Estephan Scores in OT, Growlers 3-2 Win over the Thunder
Published on January 3, 2020 under ECHL (ECHL)
Newfoundland Growlers News Release
The Newfoundland Growlers kicked off the 2020 portion of their season by extending their home winning streak to 13 games in a greasy 3-2 overtime win against the Adirondack Thunder Friday night at Mile One Centre.
Justin Brazeau opened the scoring 4:22 into the game beating Eamon McAdam shortside for a 1-0 Growlers lead, and just 55 seconds later Aaron Luchuk took a beautiful cross-crease pass from Giorgio Estephan and fired one home for an early 2-0 lead. The Thunder struck with just 18 seconds remaining in the first on the powerplay when Casey Pierro-Zabotel roofed a backhander behind Parker Gahagen to cut the Growlers lead to 2-1 after 20 minutes of play.
A scoreless second period saw the Growlers get outshot by the Thunder 12-5, but Parker Gahagen was rock solid between the pipes, including a diving save with two minutes to play in the middle frame to preserve the 2-1 score after 40.
The Thunder kept the pressure rolling into the third period, and it paid off when Nikita Popugaev deflected a point-shot five-hole on Gahagen to tie the game at 2-2 with 4:46 remaining in the third period.
Giorgio Estephan played the role of hero 2:03 into overtime completely undressing Eamon McAdam and toe-dragging it into the back of the net for a 3-2 victory.
Quick Hits
Michael Kapla left the game in the second period and did not return
Aaron Luchuk snapped his eight-game goalless drought
The three stars were 3- N. Popugaev (ADK), 2 - G. Estephan (NFL) and 1 - P. Gahagen (NFL)
What's Next?
The Newfoundland Growlers square off with the Adirondack Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils again Saturday night before hitting the road for a three-game trip. Puck drop is 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Mile One Centre Box Office and online at mileonecentre.com.
Adirondack Thunder (13-15-4-5) at Newfoundland Growlers (23-10-0-0)
Friday, January 3rd - Mile One Centre - St. John's, NL
Goal Summary
V-H # Per Team Time Goals Assists Type On Ice (+/-)
0 - 1 1 1st NFL 4:22 J. Brazeau (13) M. Kapla V 7 8 12 22 23 H 12 17 22 36 44
0 - 2 2 1st NFL 5:17 A. Luchuk (12) G. Estephan, E. Neugold V 9 12 21 27 91 H 3 8 26 27 29
1 - 2 3 1st ADK 19:42 C. Pierro-Zabotel (17) A. Tonge, J. Linhart PP V 7 9 18 23 25 H 6 12 26 36
2 - 2 4 3rd ADK 15:14 N. Popugaev (4) B. Thompson V 7 8 9 12 91 H 3 8 26 27 29
2 - 3 5 OT NFL 2:03 G. Estephan (13) E. Neugold, A. Luchuk V 9 21 91 H 8 26 29
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