Oilers Offense Comes Alive in 5-4 Win Over Mavericks
March 18, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release
TULSA, OK - For the first time in more than a month the Oilers scored five goals and for the first time all season they posted a victory over the Missouri Mavericks. The Oilers, who were 0-6 against the Mavs entering the evening, relied on timely scoring to post a 5-4 win in front of 4,091 on Sunday afternoon at the BOK Center.
Newly acquired defenseman Travis Mealy, playing in just his second game as an Oiler, slapped in his first professional goal at the 1:56 mark of the first period. It was just the second time in their season series with Missouri that Tulsa managed a first period goal.
The Oilers picked up a second period breakaway goal by Dylan Clarke and Mike Ullrich tapped in his 27th of the season to push the Tulsa lead to 3-0 halfway through the middle frame. Dave Pszenyczny put the Mavs on the board with a powerplay tally at the 17:36 mark as he squeezed a puck between the post and the arm of Oilers goalie Steve Christie.
Pszenyczny swatted in his second of the night just 43 seconds into the third period and Brandon Coccimiglio evened the game when he tipped in a ricochet off the end boards. At 3-3, the Oilers used a powerplay to grab the momentum back from the Mavericks. Sean Erickson's slap shot cruised past the outstretched glove of Effinger at 7:33 to put the Oilers back in front and snap an 0-28 powerplay streak. Four minutes later, Ryan Cramer one-timed a gorgeous feed from Marty Standish into the net and the Oilers had their two-goal cushion back. They'd need the insurance because Matt McCready fired another powerplay goal past Christie with just under seven minutes remaining.
Tulsa was able to hang on down the stretch that kept Effinger in his net until only seconds were left. The win moves Tulsa within six points of Rio Grande Valley for the fourth and final Berry Conference playoff spot. The Oilers have four games to go and will be back in action Tuesday night to host Laredo at 7:05 p.m.
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