ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Rookies Pace Steelheads Past Wranglers, 4-2, Series Lead at 3-1

Published on April 15, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Boise, Idaho - Rookie goaltender Steve Silverthorn made 39 saves in his first career playoff start, and rookie center Greg Rallo netted the game-winning goal in the second period, as the Steelheads doubled up the Las Vegas Wranglers, 4-2, in Game Four of the West Division Semi-Finals on Saturday night at Qwest Arena.

A near capacity crowd of 4,748 watched the Steelheads (3-1) hang on to an early lead, before preserving the victory. The Wranglers (1-3) now head into Monday's Game Five facing elimination.

For the third time in this series, the Steelheads scored first, burying a power play goal off the stick of Marty Flichel just 2:19 into the contest. Flichel fired a shot from inside the blue line that beat Mike McKenna (6 saves) cleanly for his first of the postseason. Defenseman Tyler Kindle and Garett Bembridge assisted on the goal that put the Steelheads in front 1-0. With his assist, Kindle extended his playoff scoring streak to four games, while Bembridge has now picked up at least one point in three straight games.

Just 2:41 later, the Steelheads power play was back at it, as David Bararuk scored his third of the series at the five-minute mark. Again Flichel was the catalyst, firing a shot from the point that missed wide, but caromed off the end boards perfectly to Bararuk. He made no mistake, shoving the puck past a stunned McKenna. Kindle got his second helper on the goal.

At the end of one period, the score was 2-0 in favor of the Steelheads. The Wranglers had the majority of the shots in the first period, out-shooting the Steelheads 13-8, but they couldn't find a way past Silverthorn.

McKenna was pulled in favor of veteran goaltender Marc Magliarditi (12 saves) to start the second period, and the Steelheads quickly welcomed him to the game. Rallo moved into the Wranglers' zone, beating one of their defenseman and pushing a shot through the five-hole of Magliarditi to give the Steelheads a 3-0 lead at the 4:45 mark.

The Wranglers answered at 7:57 of the second period with a man advantage goal of their own. Matt Dzieduszycki potted his first of the playoffs of a nifty passing play. Defenseman Christian Chartier found his partner Tyler Sloan moving in from the left point and feathered a pass to the back door to the wide-open Dzieduszycki.

In the third period, the Wranglers got to within one on a goal that was disputed by the Steelheads. Defenseman Adam Pardy, who was sent down from the American Hockey League hours before the game, fired a shot from inside the blue line. Silverthorn appeared to be bumped out of the crease by a Wranglers' forward as the shot came towards the net. Steve Crampton got the only assist.

With 44 seconds left in regulation, Bembridge sealed the match with an empty net goal. Bararuk and Blake Forsyth drew the helpers. For Bembridge, it was his team-leading fourth of the playoffs.

Silverthorn, who was making his first career playoff start, earned the win. Magliarditi took the loss in his two periods of work. The Steelheads converted on two of their three power plays, while the Wranglers went one-for-six.

Game Five of this series is Monday, April 17. The puck drops at 7:10 p.m. MST. Don't forget Steelheads fans, Kelly Cup playoff tickets are on sale now! Call 331-TIXS or visit any Select-A-Seat location to get your seats for the West Division Semi-Finals. All the action can be heard live on ESPN Radio 1350 AM, "The Ticket," beginning approximately 20 minutes before the drop of the puck.

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ECHL Stories from April 15, 2006


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