Thunder battles for point in overtime, Sivak earns power play winner

December 14, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


SAN FRANCISCO - Peter Sivak's power play goal, just 1:13 into sudden death overtime, helped the San Francisco Bulls send the Stockton Thunder (13-6-5, 31 points) to a 4-3 overtime defeat before 2,549 fans at the Cow Palace on Thursday.

The Thunder, who squandered a pair of one goal leads in the third period, garnered a point in for the fifth time in the last six games. Thomas Heemskerk earned the win for the Bulls with 33 stops.

Daniil Tarasov converted off a Thunder turnover behind the net and stashed a wrist shot past Tyler Bunz at the 6:31 mark of the opening period to lift the Bulls to a 1-0 edge.

The Thunder responded on Harrison Reed's second period power play goal for a 1-1 tie with 9:03 left, when he finished a third chance rebound at the front of the net after Tony DeHart was stopped off the rush.

Eric Hunter lifted a nifty backhander over Thomas Heemskerk's shoulder for a 2-1 lead at 6:10 of the third period, but Kris Belan responded with his third goal of the season at 9:51 for a 2-2 tie.

A power play goal by Ryan Constant - a one timer set at the left circle from Justin Maylan - restored the Thunder edge at 3-2 with 6:12 to play. Another turnover behind the Thunder net turned into a game tying goal from Andrew Crescenzi, who stashed the puck into an open net with 2:56 to play in regulation for a 3-3 tie.

Peter Sivak's tenth goal of the season ended the game with 1:13 elapsed in overtime on a wrist shot from the left circle.

Bunz took the overtime loss with 34 saves.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Matt Reber, Kevin Noble and Toni Rajala ... the Thunder cashed in at a 2-of-4 effort on the power play ... Maylan now has points in 10 of his last 12 games ... the Thunder fell to 0-2-1 in the series against San Francisco ... the two teams next meet on Monday, Dec. 17 at HP Pavilion at San Jose.

The Thunder returns to play tomorrow at Stockton Arena, hosting the Colorado Eagles at 7:30 p.m. (1280 AM KWSX/StocktonThunder.com).

A two time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," the Thunder led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the seventh consecutive season in 2011-12. Season Tickets, Group Tickets and Mini-Plans for 2012-13 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.StocktonThunder.com

THREE STARS:

1. SF - P. Sivak

2. SF - K. Belan

3. SF - J. Clendenning



ECHL Stories from December 14, 2012


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