Three-Goal Barrage Rocks the Rage
March 9, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rocky Mountain Rage News Release
Tulsa - Up 2-1 through two periods, the Tulsa Oilers scored three times in a span of 2:17 early in the third to open up a four-goal lead on their way to an eventual 5-3 victory against the Rocky Mountain Rage in the first of a two-game series at the Tulsa Convention Center. Matic Kralj scored twice for the Rage as he reached the 200-point milestone for his career.
Rocky Mountain took a 1-0 lead after the opening 20 minutes by scoring 6:45 into the first. Clay Plume pinched at the blue line to keep the puck alive for Kralj, who spun a backhand past Tulsa goaltender Bill Ruggiero for his 12th of the season.
The Oilers dominated the second period, out-shooting the Rage, 20-3. Justin Togiai scored off a two-on-one at 6:32 before David Rattray put the Oilers ahead to stay at 15:16. The game was still a one-goal contest heading to the third, though, due to Trevor Cunning's outstanding play in goal for Rocky Mountain.
Tulsa's third period barrage began just 52 seconds in when Mike Wiggins forced a turnover in the neutral zone and beat Cunning five-hole off the rush for an unassisted goal. Rattray notched his second of the evening at 1:26, and Bryan LaChapelle completed the rally at 3:07 to give the Oilers a 5-1 edge.
Kralj scored his second goal at 10:04 of the third to stem the tide of five straight Tulsa tallies. Kralj's 13th of the season marked the 200th point (83g-117a) of his five-year pro career. Dan Vandermeer then made the game interesting down the stretch after he scored on the power play at 14:00 to bring the Rage within 5-3, but they would move no closer despite out-shooting the Oilers, 12-5, in the final frame.
With the loss, Rocky Mountain drops to 15-35-5 on the season and remains in fourth place in the Northwest Division with 35 points.
The teams conclude this two-game set tomorrow at the Tulsa Convention Center before Rocky Mountain returns home to Broomfield Event Center on Wednesday, March 14, to host the Amarillo Gorillas at 7:05 p.m.
Tickets for the clash against the Gorillas and all remaining home games are on sale with prices ranging from $9-$40 per seat. Tickets may be purchased online at www.BroomfieldEventCenter.com, by calling 303-410-TIXS, or at the Broomfield Event Center box office (11450 Broomfield Ln., Broomfield, 80021). Group plans are also still available for the 2006-07 season by calling 303-439-RAGE. For more information, visit www.RockyMountainRage.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2007
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- Mudbugs Win 3-1 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Three-Goal Barrage Rocks the Rage - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Rayz land in playoffs with 4-2 win - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Amarillo Uses Special Teams To Top Scorpions - New Mexico Scorpions
- Hounds Streak Ends But Team Remains in Fourth - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Kings Over Jacks 3-1 - Lubbock Cotton Kings
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- RiverKings make roster moves heading into tonight's game - Mississippi RiverKings
- Corpus Christi signs Jim Shepherd - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Killer Bees Game Notes - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Tonight's Match up - Tulsa Oilers
- Cotton Kings Road Preview - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- 10th Anniversary Team Announced - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- SteelHounds Clinch Playoff Berth Without Taking the Ice - Youngstown SteelHounds
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