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CHL Tulsa Oilers

Larke Lifts Oilers to 3-1 Victory over Mavericks

March 28, 2014 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release


INDEPENDENCE, MO - In just four games, Matthew Larke has made an immediate impact for the Tulsa Oilers offense and Friday night in Missouri, the newly acquired forward provided late heroics. Larke scored the game-winning goal with just a minute and half remaining in regulation to help the Oilers earn a 3-1 victory over the Mavericks at the Independence Events Center. Tulsa recorded its third straight win and beat Missouri for the first time in eight games this season.

In a fast-moving first period, Mavs' forward Andrew Courtney got the scoring started at 13:39 when he snapped a puck past Tulsa goalie Shane Madolora from between the circles. Courtney's team-leading 32nd tally of the season gave the home team a 1-0 lead heading into the second frame.

The Mavericks' lead remained until the closing seconds of the middle period. Todd Robinson's shot from the point changed direction and speed as it bounced through Mavs' goalie Shane Owen and into the back of the net. The game was knotted at 1-1 on Robinson's 16th of the season.

An evenly played, tight-checking contest continued into the third period but the draw was finally broken thanks to a key face-off win by Robinson. After winning a draw just outside the Missouri blue line, Robinson zipped a pass to the right-wing for Eric Tallent. The Oilers defenseman cruised into Mavericks' territory and slung the puck across the formation to the waiting tape of Larke. A quick release from Larke surprised Owen who watched the puck slide through his legs with 1:33 left in regulation. Larke's third goal as an Oiler gave Tulsa its first lead of the night and moments later, Ben Gordon sealed the deal with an empty net goal at 19:13.

Madolora kept the high-powered Mavs' offense at bay by finishing with 26 saves on 27 shots to earn his 29th victory of the season. Both sides enjoyed just two power plays and neither team was able to cash in with the man-advantage. Tulsa outshot Missouri 28-27 and ended the Mavericks' four-game win streak.

The Oilers and Mavericks will conclude their season series with the ninth meeting of the season tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. from the Independence Events Center.

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