AHL Peoria Rivermen

Oystrick's Shootout Winner Lifts Rivermen Over Rockford

Published on November 21, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release


The Peoria Rivermen edged the Rockford IceHogs 3-2 in a shootout at Carver Arena on Sunday to finish off a 3-0-0 weekend. Nathan Oystrick's goal in regulation and game-winning shootout goal, along with stellar goaltending from rookie Jake Allen aided in the win pushed Peoria's record to 4-2-0 on their current homestand.

The Rivermen scored the first and only goal of a fast paced and physical first period on Oystrick's fourth of the year. Dave Spina fired a shot that hit off Alec Richards' blocker; the long and high rebound fell at the feet of Oystrick at the top of the right circle and he buried a turn-around slapshot over the glove of Richards. Derek Nesbitt also recorded an assist on Oystrick's first goal since Oct. 15.

Rockford struck 23 seconds into the second when Jeremy Morin wristed one by Allen for his sixth of the year. IceHogs defenseman Nick Leddy added the lone helper on the goal that evened the score at one.

The Rivermen answered at 3:57 when Spina tallied his third of the season on the power play. Allen started the play by relaying a pass to Ian Cole. Cole then found a streaking Spina who flew by Igor Makarov and beat Richards through the five-hole.

Shortly after Ryan Reaves and Kyle Hagel dropped the gloves midway through the period, the IceHogs managed to tie the game at two. Brian Connelley's slap shot from the point was redirected off a Peoria shin pad in the slot and found its way past Allen for his first of the year at 9:44. Rob Klinkhammer and Leddy assisted on the goal, giving Leddy two helpers on the night.

Allen faced an onslaught of 20 Rockford shots in the middle frame and made 18 saves. Peoria was outshot in the second 20-6 and at the end of two periods and were outshot 27-14 after 40 minutes.

The Rivermen outshot the IceHogs 10-9 in a back and forth, but scoreless, third period. In overtime, Peoria was outshot 5-0 but Allen turned all of them away forcing a shootout.

In the shootout, after the first three shooters missed for both sides and Brand Bollig missed for Rockford, Peoria's Graham Mink, put a high shot by the glove of Richards forcing Rockford to score and extend the shootout. Hugh Jesslman converted with a shot through the legs of Allen. The Rivermen could have iced the game if Adam Cracknell scored as the fifth shooter, but Richards stood tall forcing extra shooters.

Rockford sent out Shawn Lalonde as their first extra shooter and he fired a shot high and wide off the glass. Peoria's Nathan Oystrick got the call from head coach Jared Bednar and Oystrick's slap shot from the middle of the slot beat Richards low stick side to cap off the undefeated weekend.

Despite being outshot 41-25 in regulation and overtime, the Rivermen collected the win bringing them to 12-7-0-1 which is good for 25 points and second place in the West Division. The Rivermen currently trail San Antonio by only four points.

The Rivermen welcome the Chicago Wolves to town Friday at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are on sale during special Black Friday box office hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) with upper bowl seats available for $5 and lower bowl tickets on sale for $10. Every person who purchases tickets during those hours will be registered a cruise or two flight vouchers. For more information call 309-676-1040.

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American Hockey League Stories from November 21, 2010


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