Oilers Open Series in Idaho Victorious with 3-1 Win
ECHL Tulsa Oilers

Oilers Open Series in Idaho Victorious with 3-1 Win

Published on March 19, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release


BOISE, Idaho - The Tulsa Oilers, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks and the AHL's San Diego Gulls, and powered by Community Care, defeated the Idaho Steelheads 3-1 on Wednesday night at Idaho Central Arena, giving Tulsa at least one victory against every opponent faced during the 2025-26 campaign.

Neither team could score in the opening period; Idaho, the ECHL's shot leader, doubled up Tulsa 12-6 in shots.

Konnor Smith broke the stalemate 3:22 into the second period, clipping the puck off the post and past Ben Kraws for his eighth of the campaign. Justin Michaelian extended Tulsa's lead to 2-0 just 2:20 later, picking the pocket of a defenseman before finishing a full-speed, back-and-forth two-on-zero play alongside Josh Nelson. Nelson's helper was his fourth-primary assist during a three-game streak.

Liam Malmquist cut the Oilers' lead in half, finally solving Vyacheslav Buteyets with a one-timer with 4:11 remaining in the contest. Dylan Fitze iced the game with a determined, unassisted empty-net goal with 2:54 left, securing Tulsa's 3-1 victory.

Buteyets finished the game with 40 saves on 41 shots, earning first-start honors with his third 40-plus save game of the season.

The Oilers and Steelheads square off again Friday, March 20 at Idaho Central Arena, with puck drop at 8:10 p.m. CT.

Oilers Season and Group Tickets are on sale now! Call the Oilers front office at 918-632-PUCK (7825) or visit www.tulsaoilers.com for more information.

Check out the Tulsa Oilers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from March 19, 2026


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.

OurSports Central