Estephan Scores in OT, Growlers 3-2 Win over the Thunder
January 3, 2020 - 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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