Knights Edge Admirals In Shootout, 3-2

Published on March 15, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


In a potential playoff preview, the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights outlasted the Milwaukee Admirals, winning 3-2 in a shootout at the Bradley Center. Andrei Taratukhin had a goal and the deciding goal in the shootout.

The Knights outshot the Admirals 13-7 in the first period and also hit two posts, but Milwaukee would score first. Off a face-off in the Knights' end, Ville Koistinen fed the puck to Kim Staal at the side of the Knights' net. He knocked it past Curtis McElhinney to give the Admirals a 1-0 lead after one period.

Good hustle by Cam Cunning led to the tying goal in the second period. He cut off an outlet pass from the Milwaukee zone and sped back down the left wing. His sharp-angle shot was stopped by goalie Pekka Rinne but the rebound bounced to Brandon Prust who knocked home his 13th goal of the year.

The Knights took their first lead of the game at 10:58 of the third period. Defenseman Chris Lee received a drop pass from Taratukhin but couldn't dig it out of his feet. It caromed back to Taratukhin who rammed it past a surprised Rinne to make it 2-1.

The Admirals tied the game with less than three minutes remaining. McElhinney stopped a shot by Pat Leahy from the left wing, but Staal scooped up the rebound and tucked it home for his second of the game.

In the shootout, the Admirals got a goal from Koistinen in the third round to take the lead but Tomi Maki would tie it on the Knights' last shot of regulation. In sudden death, the teams skated to the eleventh round without a goal before Taratukhin, on his third attempt, beat Rinne with a wrist shot. McElhinney then shut down Chris Durno to earn the win, his AHL-leading sixth in a shootout this season.

The Knights are now 39-21-3-1. They finish the regular season a perfect 5-0-0-0 in Milwaukee.

Three Stars: 1. Kim Staal (MIL) - 2 goals; 2. Andrei Taratukhin (OMA) - 1 goal, deciding goal in SO; 3. Cal O'Reilly (MIL) - 2 assists

The Ak-Sar-Ben Knights return home for two games this weekend. On Friday, they'll host the West division-leading Chicago Wolves. Face-off is at 7:00. On Saturday, they'll welcome the Peoria Rivermen at 7:00 p.m. In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, the Knights will host "Sham-ROCK with the Knights." For just $10, fans can take part in the event which will include a bus ride from Pauli's at 40th and Leavenworth, a tailgate party with corned beef and cabbage along with Leprechauns, music, games for the kids and prizes. Beverages will be available to purchase. The tailgate party will be in the parking lot at the corner of 19th and Dodge Streets, diagonally across from the Civic Auditorium. The event also includes a post-game bus ride back to Pauli's.

Tickets for all Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' games are on sale at the Omaha Civic Auditorium box office Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets also are available through all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at (402) 422-1212. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult on tickets purchased after 5:00 p.m. Other restrictions apply.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 15, 2007


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