Knights Edge Rivermen In Shootout, 3-2

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


The Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights came from behind in the third period and beat the Peoria Rivermen in a shootout, 3-2 on Saturday at Carver Arena. The Knights will play the final game of the season on Sunday in a one-game showdown for first place in the West Division against the Chicago Wolves. The Knights lead the Wolves by one point.

The first period was defensive and physical. The two teams combined for just 13 shots on goal. The period also featured several glass-rattling hits.

The Rivermen finally broke the deadlock at 9:39 of the second period. Gavin Morgan collected an errant shot off the end wall. He shoveled a shot on goal that was tipped home by Peter Ferraro.

The Knights tied the game on a powerplay later in the period. Tomi Maki threw a rink-wide pass to Adam Pardy who had slipped down from the left point. He knocked home his second goal of the season to make it 1-1.

Peoria would forge back in front during a delayed penalty. Morgan carried the puck to the slot. He was stripped, but Yan Stastny followed the play and threw a shot past Curtis McElhinney to make it 2-1 after two.

The Knights tied the game late in the third period when Cam Cunning snapped a pass from Warren Peters under the crossbar to force overtime and then the shootout.

The two teams each earned a goal in the first five rounds. Carsen Germyn scored for the Knights while Trent Whitfield scored in the fifth round to force sudden death. With the Knights shooting last, Andrei Taratukhin faked down Jason Bacashihua and fired home his fifth shootout-deciding goal to give the Knights the win.

The Knights are now 48-25-5-1. It was their eighth shootout win of the year, their second in as many visits to Carver Arena.

Three Stars: 1. Andrei Taratukhin (OMA) - Shootout deciding goal; 2. Yan Stastny (PEO) - 1 goal; 3. Gavin Morgan (PEO) - 2 assists

The Knights will finish the regular season on Sunday afternoon at Chicago at 5:00 p.m. The Knights need to earn one point to clinch the top spot in both the West Division and the Western Confernce. The game can be heard on 1420 AM KOTK or on the internet at omahaaksarbenknights.com. Fans also can watch the game on-line using the link to B2 Networks.

Tickets for all Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' Calder Cup Playoff 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.

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American Hockey League Stories from April 15, 2007


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