ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads Handle Thunder 4-1

January 29, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Boise, ID - Marty Flichel picked up three points and the Steelheads scored twice on the power play in a convincing 4-1 win over the Thunder in front of 3,322 fans at Qwest Arena on Tuesday night.

The Steelheads (23-13-7) have now won two in a row and six of their last seven overall helping them move within six points of the Victoria Salmon Kings for first place in the West Division. Meanwhile, the Thunder (18-21-1-2) has lost three consecutive matches following the all-star break.

Steelheads' Rookie defenseman Ethan Graham rocketed a shot from the blue line past Thunder goaltender Tim Boron (26 saves) 4:07 into the first period to put the defending Kelly Cup Champions in front 1-0, marking Graham's first ECHL tally. Playing in his third game with the club, Graham took Flichel's pass and fired a slap shot into the back of the net. Lance Galbraith picked up the second assist.

Late in the opening stanza, and on a power play, Darrell Hay feathered a shot through Galbraith's screen and past Boron to make it 2-0 in favor of the Steelheads. Greg Rallo earned a helper, as did Flichel, his fourth in the last five outings.

After one period the Steelheads led 2-0, while out-shooting the Thunder 11-5.

At the 9:37 mark of the second period Bill Kinkel buried his second of the season to increase the home team's advantage to 3-0. That even-strength marker was the only tally for the either side, as Steelheads' goaltender Matt Zaba (22 saves) stopped 10 Thunder offerings in the second period.

Just 32 seconds into the third period, Flichel blasted a shot from 55 feet out that found pay dirt for his 10th of the campaign and his third in as many contests. Galbraith and Hay set up the five-on-three man advantage tally.

The Thunder broke Zaba's bid for a shutout with a power play goal by Ryan MacMurchy, his 14th of the season at the 12:35 mark of the third period. Former Steelhead Andy Contois and defenseman Brian Lee grabbed the helpers.

The Steelheads out-shot the Thunder 30-23 for their 14th win on home ice. The home team ended two-for-six on the power play and eight-for-nine on the penalty kill.

The Steelheads conclude their two-game set with the Thunder on Wednesday, January 30. The puck drops at 7:10 p.m. MST. All the action can be heard live on 1350 AM, KTIK "The Ticket" or via the B2 Networks. Don't forget, Steelheads' single-game tickets can be purchased via www.idahosteelheads.com (using the print-at-home feature), by calling 331-TIXS or from the Qwest Arena box office.

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ECHL Stories from January 29, 2008


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