Third Period Pushes Thunder Past Sundogs to Take 2-0 Series Lead
March 30, 2013 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS - A tight, defensive struggle entered the third period scoreless on Saturday night. Wichita tallied three in the final 20 minutes and pulled away from the Arizona Sundogs, winning 3-0 at INTRUST Bank Arena. Ian Lowe, Matt Summers and Les Reaney each scored for the Thunder while Torrie Jung earned his first post-season shutout of his career. Wichita takes a 2-0 lead in the series as the two teams will now travel back to Arizona for Games 3 and 4.
The first two periods were a close checking affair with both teams not allowing much through the neutral zone. At times, Arizona would drop four guys back to its own blue line to force the Thunder to play dump and chase.
The Thunder power play finally got going against the Sundogs when Jeff Kyrzakos cross checked Dave Inman from behind five minutes into the third period. Andrew Martens caught a pass in the deep slot, let a shot go that Lowe got a piece of and got past David Brown to make it 1-0 Thunder. Matt Summers gave the Thunder a 2-0 lead at the 13 minute mark when he caught a long outlet pass from Robinson, went in on a breakaway and snapped a shot just under the crossbar past Brown. The Sundogs pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker with a minute left, but Les Reaney put the nail in the coffin with a empty-net goal at 19:39 to give the Thunder a 3-0 victory.
Wichita earned its first win in regulation against the Sundogs this season. It was also the largest margin of victory between either team as the previous four games were decided by one goal. Summers and Reaney each scored for the second time in the playoffs while Martens added two assists. Jung improved to 2-0 in two starts, stopping all 11 shots he faced.
Opening Round - Series "B" (best-of-7) Arizona Sundogs vs. Wichita Thunder Game 1 - Thu., Mar. 28 - Arizona 3 Wichita 4 W (OT) Game 2 - Sat., Mar. 30 - Arizona 0 Wichita 3 W Game 3 - Tue., Apr. 2 - Wichita at Arizona, 8:05 p.m. Game 4 - Wed., Apr. 3 - Wichita at Arizona, 8:05 p.m. *Game 5 - Sat., Apr. 6 - Arizona at Wichita, 7:05 p.m. *Game 6 - Sun., Apr. 7 - Arizona at Wichita, 5:05 p.m. *Game 7 - Wed., Apr. 10 - Wichita at Arizona, 8:05 p.m. *- If Necessary Thunder leads 2-0 (All times Central)
Wichita will travel to Prescott Valley to take on Arizona in Game 3 on Tuesday, April 2nd at 8:05 p.m. If necessary, Wichita would host Game 5 on Saturday, April 6th. Tickets are on sale now! For tickets, call 755-SEAT, visit the INTRUST Bank Arena box office or online at www.selectaseat.com .
Wichita Thunder playoff packages are on sale now. There are many ways to get involved, so be a part of the Blue Revolution and the Thunder's quest for a CHL Title by joining the Blue Crue. Contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625 or visit the fan relations table behind section 120 at any Wichita Thunder home game for more information. Join the Blue Revolution today!
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Central Hockey League Stories from March 30, 2013
- Edge Offense Slows in Wichita - Bloomington Blaze
- Mavericks Stymied by Boron, Fall into 2-0 Series Hole - Kansas City Mavericks
- Brahmas Edge Mallards in Overtime, Take 2-0 Series Lead - Quad City Mallards
- Third Period Pushes Thunder Past Sundogs to Take 2-0 Series Lead - Wichita Thunder
- Sundogs Drop Game Two against Thunder, Final 3-0 - Arizona Sundogs
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