McNiven, Thunder Shut Down Railers 2-0
November 2, 2019 - ECHL (ECHL)
Adirondack Thunder News Release
WORCESTER, MA - Michael McNiven recorded his second straight shutout as the Adirondack Thunder blanked the Worcester Railers by a score of 2-0 on Saturday night at the DCU Center.
Mike Szmatula and Robbie Payne each scored in the third period to secure the Thunder's fifth win of the season. Adirondack killed off a double-minor for high sticking taken by Gabriel Verpaelst in the final five minutes of the third to help secure the victory and McNiven's shutout streak, which now stands at 127:17.
McNiven stopped all 29 shots he faced, including 14 in the third period. Railers' goaltender Evan Buitenhuis put together a tremendous performance but failed to record his first win of the season. Buitenhius made 28 saves on 30 shots.
Scoring Plays
The Thunder broke the scoreless tie with 11:30 left in the third period. Hayden Verbeek threw the puck to Nikita Popugaev who found Mike Szmatula backdoor to put the Thunder up 1-0. The goal was Szmatula's first of the season.
At 14:24 of the third. Ara Nazarian picked up the puck at the Worcester blueline from Gabriel Verpaelst and dropped it off for Robbie Payne. Payne's wrist shot beat Buitenhius glove-side and Adirondack extended their lead to 2-0 on Payne's third goal of the season.
Thunder Notes
With the assist, Hayden Verbeek has recorded eight points in eight games (1G, 7A)
Nikita Popugaev now has a +6 rating in 8 games so far this season
Michael McNiven's shutout streak is at 127:17 and has won three straight games
Up Next
Adirondack continues their road trip when they face the Reading Royals tomorrow from Santander Arena at 4:00pm.
Marvel Super Hero Four Pack
The Thunder host the Worcester Railers on November 10th at 3:00pm for Marvel Super Hero Day! Get your Super Hero Four Pack HERE and receive a pregame meet-and-greet with Spider-Man!
ECHL Stories from November 2, 2019
- Andrusiak Scores Final Goals, Steelheads Take 3-2 Overtime Win - Idaho Steelheads
- Walleye Frustrated by Florida in Home Opener - Toledo Walleye
- K-Wings Thump Nailers in Second Straight Sellout - Kalamazoo Wings
- Losing Streak for Admirals Now at Four After 3-2 Loss in Reading - Norfolk Admirals
- Thunder Grabs Point in OT Loss at KC - Wichita Thunder
- 'Blades Answer Deficit in Third to Beat Toledo in Overtime - Florida Everblades
- Fluky Bounces Aid in Swamp Rabbits' Win over Jacksonville - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Cyclones Fall in Weekend Opener to Brampton - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Royals Tied for First in North, Sink Norfolk, 3-2 - Reading Royals
- Fuel Fall 5-3 in First I-69 Matchup with Fort Wayne - Indy Fuel
- Sparks Strikes Twice as Beast Defeat Cyclones - Brampton Beast
- McNiven, Thunder Shut Down Railers 2-0 - Adirondack Thunder
- Railers Shutout on Home Ice 2-0 in Front of Big Crowd on W6 Tribute Night - Worcester Railers HC
- Wheeling's Win Streak Snapped by Wings - Wheeling Nailers
- Mariners Rally Around McCollum to Top Newfoundland - Maine Mariners
- Mariners Defeat Growlers 3-2 - Newfoundland Growlers
- IceMen Agree to Terms with Veteran Forward Mike Hedden - Jacksonville Icemen
- ECHL Transactions - November 2 - ECHL
- Cyclones Game Preview: vs. Brampton - Cincinnati Cyclones
- ECHL Announces Suspension - ECHL
- Grizzlies Game Preview: Idaho at Utah - Utah Grizzlies
- Allen Americans Game Capsule - Allen Americans
- Lightning Reassign Spencer Martin from Solar Bears to Crunch - Orlando Solar Bears
- Parks Stops 39 to Help Rush Salvage a Point against Allen - Rapid City Rush
- James de Haas Loaned to Royals from Lehigh Valley - Reading Royals
- Royals Host Admirals on D.C. Comics Night - Reading Royals
- Grizz Win 5-4 Showdown in Boise - Utah Grizzlies
- Thunder Begins November with Win over Kansas City - Wichita Thunder
- Americans Win Another in Overtime - Allen Americans
- Steelheads Fall 5-4 to Grizzlies in Back-And-Forth Game - Idaho Steelheads
- 'Blades Drop Back-And-Forth Affair to Komets - Florida Everblades
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.
