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Idaho advances, Thunder season ends on Idaho's six-goal rally

April 18, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


BOISE, Idaho - Derek Nesbitt and John Lammers each scored two goal and added an assist, while Steve Silverthorn made 22 saves to send the Stockton Thunder to a 6-1 defeat to the Idaho Steelheads in game six of the National Conference Quarterfinal before 3,110 at Qwest Arena on Wednesday night.

The Thunder, advancing to its first Kelly Cup Playoff berth in team history, was eliminated by Idaho 4-2 in the best-of-seven series.

#4 Idaho vs. #5 Stockton:

Game 1: at Idaho - Stockton 4 - Idaho 2

Game 2: at Idaho - Idaho 3 - Stockton 0

Game 3: at Stockton - Idaho 2 - Stockton 1 (2OT)

Game 4: at Stockton - Stockton 3 - Idaho 2

Game 5: at Stockton - Idaho 3 - Stockton 2 (OT)

Game 6: at Idaho - Idaho 6 - Stockton 1

Idaho roared out to a 3-0 advantage through one period, putting together its rally in a span of 9:20. Lance Galbraith scored his fourth goal of the playoffs just 2:35 into the game, converting on a rebound from Kory Scoran's shot at the left circle for a 1-0 edge. John Lammers pushed Idaho's lead to 2-0 at the 6:16 mark while positioned all alone in front of the net, converting on a one-timer from B.J. Crombeen's feed from the right corner.

Derek Nesbitt pushed the lead to 3-0 on a power-play goal at 11:55 on a late 2-on-1 rush, one-timing John Lammers' right wing feed past the blocker of Thunder goaltender Devan Dubnyk. In addition, Dubnyk highlighted his eight saves with a glove save on Tuomas Mikkonen, snaring a shot from the left wing into his glove.

Lammers and Nesbitt each scored their second goal of the game in the second period to push the advantage to 5-0, after the Thunder attempted to jump-start a rally by Liam Reddox's near-miss off the goal post from a wrist shot in the slot. Lammers hiked Idaho's lead to four at 7:54 on a soft shot that trickled off Dubnyk's blocker, high into the air and sailed into the net behind the goaltender.

Nesbitt buried Idaho's first shorthanded goal of the playoffs for a five-goal advantage at 13:45, ripping in a rebound from the right circle and under the crossbar.

After Galbraith netted his second goal of the game on a one-timer at 5:07 of the third to push Idaho's lead to 6-0, all-star center Nathan Martz scored the final Thunder goal of the season with 3:17 left in regulation on a spinning shot from the left circle that eluded Silverthorn's blocker side.

Center Colin Pepperall, held scoreless for the game, finished as the Thunder's leading scorer for the playoffs with four points (2g-2a).

Recently named host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game, the Thunder has led the ECHL in regular season attendance for two consecutive seasons and drew 244,085 fans (6,780 average) to Stockton Arena this year. 2007-08 Thunder season tickets are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.



ECHL Stories from April 18, 2007


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