ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Nesbitt's Two Goals Powers Steelheads Past Condors 2-1

Published on April 7, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Bakersfield, CA - Derek Nesbitt scored twice late in the second period helping the Steelheads to a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Bakersfield Condors in front of 7,407 fans at Qwest Arena on Friday night. Moments after the Steelheads victory, the Las Vegas Wranglers capped off a 3-1 win over the Stockton Thunder thus ensuring the Steelheads will have home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs against the Thunder, which will begin at Qwest Arena on Tuesday, April 10.

The Steelheads (41-24-2-4) are now unbeaten in seven games, as goaltender Steve Silverthorn (23 saves) picked up his ECHL-leading 36th win. With the victory, the second-year pro now ties Blair Allison for the most wins a single season in franchise history, while also tying several goaltenders for the second most wins in one campaign in the ECHL's 19-year existence. Meanwhile, the Condors (41-18-3-9) are now winless in three games while they lose the season series to the Steelheads winning just once in seven games.

Just 64 seconds into the first period the Condors took a 1-0 lead on a power play goal by team captain Sean Venedam. After Steelheads' winger Lance Galbraith took a hooking penalty 12 seconds into the match, the Condors worked the puck to Venedam, who moved in from the blue line and snapped a shot past Silverthorn for his 27th of the season and his 10th against the Steelheads over the last two years.

Through 20 minutes the Condors led 1-0 despite being out-shot 12-3.

At the 13:40 mark of the second period the Steelheads evened the score off a broken rush into the Condors' zone. After defenseman Travis Wight moved the puck to the Condors' line, Nesbitt got to a loose puck and wristed a shot past the glove of side of Condors' goaltender Rejean Beauchemin (36 saves). Marty Flichel and Galbraith were credited with the assists on Nesbitt's even-strength tally.

Then, in the waning moments of the second period, Nesbitt tipped home a right circles slap shot from defenseman Kyle Peto for the eventual game-winning goal. Forward Alexander Naurov grabbed the second assist on Nesbitt's sixth game-winner of the campaign and his 30th of the year, which is a career-high.

There was no scoring in the third period, as the final shots finished 38-24 in favor of the Steelheads. The Steelheads finished the night zero-for-six on the power play and two-for-three on the penalty kill.

The Steelheads play their last regular season against the Fresno Falcons on Saturday, April 7. The puck drops at 8:30 p.m. MST. Don't forget, Steelheads' single game playoff tickets go on sale on this week and can be purchased by calling 331-TIXS, by visiting www.idahosteelheads.com or by stopping by the Qwest Arena box office. Plus, first round playoff voucher packs are on sale now, offering great savings to those fans that buy early. Call 383-0080 for more information.

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ECHL Stories from April 7, 2007


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