Jackalopes Blanked in North Richland Hills
February 8, 2020 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX - The Jackalopes faced one of the top netminders in the nation but failed to break through. The Jackalopes (8-32-1-1) fell to the Lone Star Brahmas (34-8-0-1) on Saturday night at the NYTEX Sports Centre.
Like Friday night, the Jackalopes fell down in the first period, as the Brahmas capitalized on a close-in shot just over five minutes into the first. This was later followed up by a shot from the right point just as the Jackalopes killed off a Lone Star power play.
Down 2-0 in the second period, the Jackalopes tried, but failed, to get much sustained pressure and it was the Brahmas who scored three unanswered goals in the second period to go up 5-0.
The third period saw more hard hitting and extra emotion from the two rivals as players routinely spared after the whistle to varying degrees. The Jackalopes, who got better by the period, started to get some quality chances on net. The best chance for Odessa was on Garrett Wilderman's penalty shot in the late stages of regulation.
Wilderman, who was awarded the penalty shot after being hooked on a break-away, made a strong move as he skated to his right and cut into the slot before unleashing a hard wrist shot. Unfortunately for him and the Jackalopes, Lone Star goaltender Cayden Bailey was able to make a quick glove save to preserve his fourth consecutive shutout.
Despite the loss, there were several positives for the Jackalopes, namely the play of goaltender Andrew Takacs and the Jackalopes' penalty kill. Takacs was strong in his second start for the Jacks, making several big time saves, including one in the second period when he robbed Brahma defenseman Cole Beilke on a wide-open net by stopping the puck with his outstretched stick. Takacs ended the night with 41 saves, a new season high.
The Jackalopes penalty kill was also strong, defeating all three Lone Star power play opportunities.
The Jackalopes will close out the weekend series on Sunday afternoon as they play the Brahmas for the final time this season in North Richland Hills, face-off is set for 2:10 pm.
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from February 8, 2020
- Jackalopes Blanked in North Richland Hills - Odessa Jackalopes
- Bugs Shutout & Sweep the Blues - Shreveport Mudbugs
- Shoudy's Two Goals Boost Bruins in Paint the Rink Pink Win over St. Cloud, 5-2 - Austin Bruins
- Six Different Goal Scorers Lead Rebels to Victory over Knights - Philadelphia Rebels
- Steel Shutout Magicians at Home to Wrap up Series - Chippewa Steel
- Tomahawks Get Weekend Sweep over Generals - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Pilots Fall to Bulls 6-1 in Series Opener - Topeka Pilots
- Wings Hold on for Friday Win - Aberdeen Wings
- Gendron and Pugliese Help Lead Titans to 6-4 Win over Black Bears - New Jersey Titans
- Jets Soar over Brown Bears - Kenai River Brown Bears
- Jackalopes Fall 5-1 to Lone Star - Odessa Jackalopes
- IceRays Snap Streak with 2-1 Win Friday - Corpus Christi IceRays
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.
Other Recent Odessa Jackalopes Stories
- Jackalopes Complete 23-24 Regular Season with 3-1 Victory
- Jackalopes Top IceRays in Barn Burner 7-6 in OT
- Jacks Gain a Point with Hard-Fought Shootout Loss to Brahmas
- Jacks Prepare for Final Two Home Games against 1st Place Brahmas
- Jacks Drop Game Two to Mudbugs, 4-0