Sports stats



Las Vegas utilizes two power play goals on way to 4-2 victory over Victoria

January 30, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - In a Saturday night match-up at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre the Victoria Salmon Kings took on the Western Conference leading Las Vegas Wranglers in the second game of a three game set. The Salmon Kings started Florida Panthers' draft pick David Shantz in net, while the Wranglers went with Bemidji, MN native Joe Fallon.

Victoria flew out of the gates as they controlled the play in the Wranglers' zone for the opening minute of play which resulted in two quality scoring chances. After missing 29 games with an injury Derek Couture returned to the Salmon Kings line up and looked to get on the board early. Couture threw a hard pass from the left corner to the front of the net for Matt Stefanishion. The Daysland, AB native got his stick on the puck, but Fallon slid across to make the paddle save. Las Vegas would open the scoring at 5:46 on Eddie DelGrosso's third of the season. DelGrosso broke in on a 2-on-1 with Tyler Mosienko and snapped a shot glove side on Shantz from the left faceoff circle. Two minutes later the Wranglers looked to push their lead to two. Ryan Huddy burst down the left side and dropped a pass for Wranglers captain Mosienko. The former Kelowna Rocket sniped a quick shot from the top of the left faceoff circle past the outstretched glove of Shantz for his seventh marker on the year. After a too many men on the ice penalty to Las Vegas, the home team looked for their opening tally. Tim Kraus walked across the slot and wristed a shot from the right faceoff circle that made it through a maze of bodies, but hit the left post and bounced out. Victoria kept up their pressure and physical play. Stefanishion circled around the right faceoff circle before he fired a pass to Michael Wilson, who had pinched down from the left point. Wilson tipped the puck on net, but Fallon slid across to deny the shooter with his right pad to send Las Vegas into the second period with a 2-0 lead.

After back-to-back penalties to Victoria, the Wranglers looked to extend their lead. The Salmon Kings' penalty killing unit stood tall as they killed off the two-man advantage after a key shot block from Geoff Waugh as well as timely saves by Shantz. Victoria would gain momentum from the penalty kill as they cut the lead in half at 6:27. Wilson sent Matt Butcher on a partial break. Butcher snapped a shot from the high slot that went under the left pad of Fallon. The marker was the Bellingham, WA native's second of the season. The next 10 minutes saw few whistle stoppages as both teams engaged in back-and-forth action, looked for the games next goal and started to throw the body around. The Wranglers looked to extend lead after Huddy fed the puck cross crease to Jerry Pollastrone, but Shantz slid across in the splits to make the unbelievable right pad save to keep it a one goal game. The Wranglers would regain their two goal lead late in the period at 19:33. From the left half boards Mosienko found Huddy alone by the right post. Las Vegas' leading point scorer walked around Shantz to deposit the puck in the net for his 20th on the year. The Wranglers took their 3-1 lead into the final period.

The third period started Victoria being assessed back-to-back-to-back penalties by referee JM McNulty, much to the dismay of the crowd. Victoria killed off the first 5-on-3, and with the second just about to expire Huddy walked out from the right corner and roofed a short side shot over the glove of Shantz. The goal was scored at 5:19 and was Huddy's second of the night. After a Las Vegas penalty Victoria looked to get back into the game. Ryan MacMurchy walked the blue line from the left side and wristed a shot on net. Fallon made the initial save, but Rick Cleaver was there to bury his 14th of the year at 9:50. The Salmon Kings continued to press as they controlled the play for the next four minutes, but their momentum was dashed by another penalty call. In a last ditch effort the Salmon Kings pulled their goalie with just under two minutes remaining, but a late too many men on the ice penalty would seal the win for the Wranglers. Wranglers 4 Salmon Kings 2.

Victoria concludes their three game set with Las Vegas tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 pm. Following Sunday's matinee the Salmon Kings will be hosting their Skate with the Salmon Kings. Skate rentals will be available by donation through the City of Victoria. Victoria will then welcome the Alaska Aces for a three game series on Wednesday February 2nd, Friday February 4th and Saturday February 5th. Game time is 7:05 are all three contests. During Friday night's match-up the Salmon Kings will host their annual Pink in the Rink game. Fans are encouraged to wear pink clothing and will have a chance to bid on special pink Salmon King jerseys. Special $17 single tickets and $60 family four-packs are available for purchase. Proceeds go to the BC Cancer Foundation. For tickets call 250-220-7777 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com.

• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...

ECHL Stories from January 30, 2011


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 Victoria Salmon Kings Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central