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Khudobin, Catters shutout 'Blades in thrilling fashion

February 1, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release


Beaumont, TX-Anton Khudobin was remarkable in net and John Adams broke a scoreless tie with 1:07 remaining as the Texas Wildcatters won arguably the most exciting game of the season 2-0 over the Florida Everblades Friday night at Ford Arena.

Just 24 hours removed from a 6-3 decision in which the Catters scored four times in the first period, Friday's game could not have been more different from the first game of the series between the South Division rivals.

While Thursday's game featured a combined 12 PIM between the two teams-resulting in two Texas power play goals-Troy Riddle was the only person penalized in the first frame Friday, a hooking call at 14:57 that Texas easily killed.

Florida would have 12 shots to Texas' 10 as the teams went to the locker room for the first intermission and Khudobin and Everblades goalie Justin Peters appeared primed for a classic goalie duel.

Perhaps fueled by a second period that yielded just four Texas shots on Thursday, the middle frame belonged to the Wildcatters Friday, outshooting the visiting team 12-5 and setting the pace in a very physical period. Three Brad Herauf penalties would give the Catters a handful of power play opportunities yet neither team was able to register a goal.

The third period proved to be as exciting and nerve-racking as any in Beaumont this season as the speed of the game escalated to a frenetic pace reminiscent of postseason hockey.

Peters would muster several great saves to keep the Catters off the board but would get additional help from his right post after a short handed opportunity from Ross Carlson was declared a no-goal at the frame's 4:00 mark.

It was Khudobin, however, who proved why he is one of the brightest goaltending prospects in North American minor league hockey as he was unbelievable in the final frame to ensure his second shutout of the season.

Dan Collins' breakaway chance was robbed by a Khudobin highlight-reel glove save at 5:47. Another Florida opportunity was snuffed out with a great save to his left at 8:19, but it was the Kazakstan native's ability to shut the door on a Florida 2-on-1 with 3:35 remaining that would bring the awestruck Ford Arena crowd to their feet.

The games crucial moment came with just over three minutes remaining as Derek Damon made an early hit on Max Taylor, spinning the forward to the ground and spurring an interference call from referee Jason Rollins.

Adams would score the game winner on the ensuing power play. Peters stopped the initial shot from the point, the rebound was collected by Texas and fired off the left post and would eventually carom to Adams, who had rotated down off the right post. Adams would tuck the puck into the net at 18:53 and Scott Champagne and Kevin Baker would be credited with assists on the play.

Florida would pull Peters for the extra attacker on the subsequent faceoff, but Carlson would intercept a cross-ice pass on their first trip down the ice and fire a half-rink shot into the vacated cage for the empty net goal at 19:20 to secure the win for Texas.

At 34-4-3-4 (75 points), Texas holds a 17-point lead over South Carolina for the South Division's top spot. Their winning percentage of .833 is the best in worldwide professional hockey.

The Wildcatters go for the sweep against the Everblades tomorrow night at 7:05.

The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the AHL's Houston Aeros and the NHL's Minnesota Wild. Book your group with the Catters! Call 509.951.5500.

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