Murdaca Shines as Thunder Fall in Shootout for Second Straight Game
December 21, 2019 - ECHL (ECHL)
Adirondack Thunder News Release
GLENS FALLS, NY - For the second straight game, the Adirondack Thunder tied the game late in the third period but fell in a shootout to the Maine Mariners by a final score of 4-3. Joe Murdaca made 28 saves in his second career ECHL start.
It took only 6:27 for the first goal to be scored and it belonged to the Adirondack Thunder. Casey Pierro-Zabotel forced a turnover at center ice right to James Henry. Henry entered the offensive zone and dropped the puck right to Pierro-Zabotel. He wound up a slapper past Mariners' netminder Francois Brassard for his 12th of the season.
The Thunder added to their lead at 11:36 when Alex Tonge caught up to the puck in the right corner of the offensive zone and fed Matt Salhany at the near circle. Salhany waited and fed it right to Mike Szmatula for his 10th of the season.
The Mariners tied the game with two goals in the second period. Zach Tolkinen notched his fourth of the season 4:46 into the period. Maine's equalizer came at 10:44 as Dillan Fox sped his way into the offensive zone and beat Thunder netminder Joe Murdaca for his 11th of the year.
Maine received a powerplay early in the third period as James Henry was called for tripping. With just two seconds left on the man-advantage, Terrence Wallin poked the puck in from his stomach as he was on the ice next to the net.
Moments after Adirondack pulled Murdaca for the extra attacker, Casey Pierro-Zabotel knocked in the rebound from an Alex Carrier shot for his second of the game to tie the game with 1:10 left in the third.
For the second straight night, the game went to overtime. Each team had a powerplay opportunity but couldn't cash in. After the seven-minute session, it was time for another shootout. Casey Pierro-Zabotel scored the lone goal for the Thunder but goals by Michael McNicholas and Taylor Cammarata extended the winless streak to nine straight games.
The Thunder were blanked on their four powerplay chances while the Mariners went 1-for-4. The Thunder outshot the Mariners 41-31.
Up Next
The Thunder hit the road to take on the Mariners this Thursday at 7pm in Portland, Maine.
ECHL Stories from December 21, 2019
- Molino, Ouellette Leads Grizz to 3-1 Win - Utah Grizzlies
- Mavs Head to Holiday Break After 5-2 Loss to Tulsa - Kansas City Mavericks
- Cyclones Power Play Propels Them to Overtime Win - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Steelheads Win Fifth-Straight, Enter Break with 4-1 Win in Norfolk - Idaho Steelheads
- Atlanta Falls to Orlando in a Whistle-Laden Slugfest - Atlanta Gladiators
- Grizzlies Knock off Thunder, 3-1 - Wichita Thunder
- IceMen Collect 11,371 Teddy Bears in 4-3 Loss - Jacksonville Icemen
- Season's Beatings: 'Blades Spring Past Swamp Rabbits in 5-2 Victory - Florida Everblades
- Harry's Hatty Leads Stingrays to Comeback Win - South Carolina Stingrays
- Two Power Play Goals Spark K-Wings Second Straight Win - Kalamazoo Wings
- Walleye Rally Late, But Drop OT Decision to Fuel - Toledo Walleye
- Florida's Fast Start Overwhelms Swamp Rabbits - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Wings Snap Wheeling's Four-Game Win Streak - Wheeling Nailers
- Mariners Move into Playoff Spot with Second Straight Shootout Win - Maine Mariners
- Murdaca Shines as Thunder Fall in Shootout for Second Straight Game - Adirondack Thunder
- Fuel Explode for a 3-2 Overtime Win over Toledo - Indy Fuel
- Beast Drop Chippy Contest against Railers - Brampton Beast
- Railers Celebrate Holiday Break Early with 7-3 Win over Brampton - Worcester Railers HC
- Thunder Adds Borsoi to Blueline - Wichita Thunder
- Game Preview: Solar Bears at Gladiators - Orlando Solar Bears
- Preview: Florida Eyes Split with Swamp Rabbits on Saturday - Florida Everblades
- Americans Loan League-Leading Seventh Player to AHL - Allen Americans
- ECHL Transactions - December 21 - ECHL
- Cyclones Game Preview: vs. Ft. Wayne Komets - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Game Preview: Stingrays at IceMen, December 21, 2019 - Jacksonville Icemen
- McGauley Shines in 4-1 Utah Win - Utah Grizzlies
- Rabbit Scores in Return; IceMen Win 6-1 - Jacksonville Icemen
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.
