Sundogs Climb Back Into First Place with OT Win
January 29, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - Southwest Division foes the Arizona Sundogs and New Mexico Scorpions faced off Tuesday night at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Rob McVicar was stellar in net for Arizona, turning away 35 shots and Tyler Liebel converted in overtime to give Arizona a 2-1 victory and two points. With the win, the Sundogs climb back into first place with a 24-12-4 record and a one-point advantage over second place Odessa.
Neither team was able to tally in the first period Tuesday night as both goalies turned away every shot they faced in the opening 20 minutes of play. Newly signed goaltender Rob McVicar blocked 10 New Mexico shots while the Scorpions' Mike Minard deflected all five shots put on net by Arizona.
New Mexico broke through in the second on their fifth powerplay chance of the game as Mitch Stephens found the back of the net past a screened McVicar to give his club a 1-0 lead. Aaron MacInnis and Dominic Osman collected helpers on the powerplay goal at 3:10 of the second period. Arizona answered back 1:09 later with a powerplay goal of their own as David Schlemko fired home a rebound off a Mark Kolanos redirect attempt. Dan Laperriere took the initial shot from the point to set up the play and was also credited with an assist for his 18th of the year. Through two periods of play, New Mexico held a 26-13 advantage in shots.
The two teams traded scoring chances in the third period with both goalies standing tall in net for their respective clubs to force an overtime session. New Mexico held a 9-5 advantage in shots in the third frame for a three-period 35-18 mark.
With 2:22 to play in the extra period, New Mexico's Shawn Skiehar was tagged with a two-minute hooking penalty to give Arizona a 4-on-3 powerplay. The Sundogs' Laperriere fired a shot from the point and found the back of the net but the goal was waived off by referee Mark Lemelin as he whistled Olivier Latendresse for goalie interference. With 3-on-3 hockey, Arizona pressured the New Mexico three and Tyler Liebel skated in and lifted the puck over a sprawling Minard to give his club a 2-1 win in overtime. Jon Landry tallied an assist on the game-winning goal.
Rob McVicar blocked 35 of 36 shots on net for his first win in as many games with Arizona while Mike Minard stopped 22 of 24 shots in the loss. Both teams collected a powerplay goal in the game with Arizona finishing 1-for-6 and New Mexico finishing 1-for-7 with the man advantage.
Arizona now prepares for a Friday night matchup against the Amarillo Gorillas in Amarillo, Texas. Game time is set for 6:05pm (Arizona time) but will be tape-delayed until 7:00pm on 96.7 FM The Wolf, the Official Broadcast Home of the Arizona Sundogs.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2008
- Scorpions Fall In Overtime - New Mexico Scorpions
- Sundogs Climb Back Into First Place with OT Win - Arizona Sundogs
- Amarillo Gets Nine Goals in Win Over Odessa - Amarillo Gorillas
- Eagles Comeback Falls Short Against Oilers - Colorado Eagles
- Coyotes Loan Redenach to Grand Rapids of American Hockey League - Arizona Sundogs
- Thunder Acquires Zaniboni From Sundogs - Wichita Thunder
- Sundogs Make Adjustments at Goaltender Position - Arizona Sundogs
- Leavitt Wins CHL Performance of the Week - Arizona Sundogs
- RiverKings activate Centomo - Mississippi RiverKings
- 24-Hour Fitness Teams Up With Brahmas - Fort Worth Brahmas
- CHL All-Star Auction Begins on Wednesday - CHL
- Scorpions Shuffle Roster - New Mexico Scorpions
- Thunder Acquires Martin From Oilers - Wichita Thunder
- Bucks Host Rage Wednesday In Battle Of Top Teams: Cullaton Returns - Laredo Bucks
- Sundogs Leavitt Beats Out Teammate By One Vote To Win Performance Of The Week - CHL
- Tonight's Match Up - Tulsa Oilers
- Beef O'Brady's, RiverKings to host Super Bowl party - Mississippi RiverKings
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