Salmon Kings Drop Weekend Finale In Overtime

February 8, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC - In a Sunday night match-up the Victoria Salmon Kings and Las Vegas Wranglers met in the finale of a four-game set. Goaltender Julien Ellis started in net for the Kings, while the Wranglers countered with Kevin Lalande.

With a scoreless opening period, the Salmon Kings defense and Wranglers goaltending took the spotlight. Las Vegas didn't record a shot on goal until past the 12 minute mark, and managed only three total shots on Ellis in the period, while the Salmon Kings fired 20 shots on Lalande. The three shots allowed in a period are the fewest this year by the Salmon Kings, breaking the previous mark of five allowed in the third period of the November 19, 2008 game versus Alaska.

The Salmon Kings and Wranglers continued the trend of defense and goaltending into the second period. Julien Ellis was the busier goalie, stopping all 18 Wrangler shots he faced. Lalande turned aside each of the five Salmon Kings shots in the middle frame. The teams skated into the second intermission still in a scoreless tie.

Neither team could end the goal drought in the final 20 minutes of regulation play. The period was again highlighted by strong defensive play on both sides, including five successful penalty-kills (three for Wranglers, two for the Salmon Kings) during the frame. Total shots after regulation were 37-27 for Salmon Kings.

Las Vegas defenseman Sean Owens sealed a Wranglers sweep with just 15.3 seconds remaining in overtime. Owens, off a goalmouth scramble, slid a loose puck under Ellis. Owens' goal was his third of the season. Wranglers 1 Salmon Kings 0 in overtime.

Victoria finished 0/6 = 0.0% on the power play, while Las Vegas finished 0/3= 0.0%. The Salmon Kings outshot the Wranglers 38-32.

The Salmon Kings now embark on an 11-game road trip beginning this Wednesday, February 11th with the first of a four-game set in Alaska. The Salmon Kings return to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Wednesday, March 11th to open a four-game set against the Ontario Reign. For tickets call 220-7777 or visit www.selectyourtickets.com.



ECHL Stories from February 8, 2009


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