Flames Rally To Win Sixth Straight

Published on February 20, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


The Flames rallied in the third period to beat San Antonio 5-4 in a shootout on Friday at the i wireless Center. Adam Cracknell scored twice in regulation and added a shootout goal. David Van der Gulik and John Armstrong also scored in regulation while Kris Chucko converted in the shootout. Kevin Lalande entered the game in relief and stopped 12 of the 13 shots he faced before stoning all four shooters he faced in the shootout. With the win, the Flames extend their franchise record winning streak to six games.

A wild first period featured a goal for each side, 22 penalty minutes and six combined power plays. The Rampage took a 1-0 lead on a power-play goal by Jeff Hoggan at 5:24 of the period. Hoggan scored off a goal-mouth scramble with assists to Garth Murray and David Schlemko. Off the draw following the Rampage goal, J.D. Watt fought San Antonio forward Simon Ferguson. The entertaining bout resulted in five penalty minutes for both players. It was the seventh consecutive game with a penalty for Watt, which establishes a new Flames franchise record for the most consecutive games with at least one penalty. The Rampage went on to carry momentum through a good portion of the period. San Antonio outshot Quad City 14-7 in the opening period, but the Flames were still able to net the equalizer before the period ended. David Van der Gulik scored his 14th goal of 2008-09 when he shot home the rebound from a Gord Baldwin chance. Anders Eriksson contributed the secondary assist. The helper stretched Eriksson's assist streak to seven games, a new Flames franchise record. The tally came with just 2:40 left in the period and the game was tied at one at one frame.

Quad City captured the lead for the first time just 15 seconds into the second period when John Armstrong scored on a wraparound chance. The rookie's fourth tally of the year gave Quad City a 2-1 edge. The Rampage answered at 5:28 of the middle frame during a 5-on-3 power play. Jeff Hoggan scored his 20th goal of the year during the man advantage on a shot from the right wing circle. San Antonio re-captured the lead seven minutes later when Garth Murray scored an even strength goal off a one-timer following a cross-ice pass from Joel Perrault. The Rampage held their lead through the remainder of the middle period and led 3-2 after 40 minutes.

The Rampage pushed their lead to two goals when David Spina scored on the power play at 2:52 of the third period. The Flames answered back immediately as Adam Cracknell scored after Carsen Germyn forced a San Antonio turnover just 38 seconds after the San Antonio tally. Cracknell struck again on a power-play with 1:50 left in regulation to tie the game.

After a scoreless overtime session that featured two minutes of San Antonio power-play time, the teams headed to the shootout. In the extra session, Adam Cracknell and Kris Chucko scored while Kevin Lalande stopped all four shooters he faced to earn the win.

The Flames visit Peoria on Sunday for a 3:00 p.m. showdown with the Rivermen. The broadcast begins on 93.9 FM WYEC at 2:35 p.m. with The Hayman's Ace Hardware Pre-Game Show. Fans can also watch the game for just $6.00 at ahllive.com.

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



American Hockey League Stories from February 20, 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