Thunder Come Back to Win 2-1 in OT
April 3, 2013 - Central Hockey League (CHL) - Wichita Thunder News Release
Prescott Valley, AZ (April 2nd) - Erick Lizon scored four minutes into overtime on Tuesday night to help the Thunder take Game 3 by the final of 2-1 against Arizona at Tim's Toyota Center. Lizon and Kevin Young scored for the Thunder adding their first goals of the post-season. Wichita takes a commanding 3-0 series lead and has a chance to close it out tomorrow night.
The intensity ramped up a notch at the start of Game 3 as the two teams combined for 30 penalty minutes in the first period. Chad Nehring scored his second goal of the series after the Thunder were unable to clear it to the neutral zone and put it home for a 1-0 Sundogs lead at 7:56 of the first period.
The goaltenders stole the show in the second period, making some spectacular saves. Matt Robinson came in a semi-breakaway and had David Brown beat, but somehow he got his leg pad up to keep the puck out of the net. Matt Summers also caught a long headman pass and almost came down on a breakaway only to be denied by Brown. Jung was just as good in the period, making a few big leg pad saves at the tail end of the second.
Wichita titled the ice in the final period, outshooting the Sundogs at one point, 16-3. With six minutes remaining, RG Flath got to a loose puck behind the Arizona goal line, fed a backhand to the slot that Young received and beat Brown over the glove with a wrist shot to tie the game at one. Time and time again, Brown kept shutting the door on the Thunder but Young made no mistake on his opportunity, putting it off the pipe and in to force overtime for the second time in the series.
The Thunder tried to keep their shifts short at the start of overtime with many changes being made. As the Sundogs were moving it at the Thunder blue line, Travis Wight made a terrific play to help the Thunder get it out of the zone. He split two Sundogs up the right wing, played the puck to himself with his right hand, found some room at the right circle in the Arizona end and left a pass for Lizon who blasted a slap shot past Brown for the game-winner at the four minute mark and a 2-1 overtime victory.
Wichita improves to 2-0 in overtime games this post-season and takes a 3-0 series lead. In overtime games all-time, Wichita is 11-5 and 11-1 with games being decided in the first overtime session. The Thunder have outscored the Sundogs 6-2 in the third period so far in the series. After losing all three Game 3's last post-season, Wichita won this one and improved to 12-10 in Game 3 all-time.
Lizon adds his first point of the post-season and his second post-season goal of his career. Young scored his first of the playoffs and now has three points. Hanson and Flath each added assists while Jung improved to 3-0, stopping 29 of 30 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 2 Arizona 1 W (OT)
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 3-0
(All times Central)
Wichita takes on Arizona in Game 4 tomorrow at 8:05 p.m. CST with a chance to close out the series. 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 April 3, 2013
- Brahmas Take 3-0 Series Lead in Dramatic Fashion - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Mavericks Win Game Three Thriller in Overtime, 3-2, over Rapid City - Kansas City Mavericks
- Brahmas Defeat Mallards in Overtime, Push Flock to Brink - Quad City Mallards
- Rush Drop 3-2 Overtime Decision in Game Three - Rapid City Rush
- Americans to Host Tailgate Party Prior to Game 5 this Saturday - Allen Americans
- Game 4 Preview - Wichita Thunder
- Series Shifts To Quad Cities With Brahmas Holding 2-0 Edge - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Sundogs Lose in Sudden Death Overtime, 2-1 - Arizona Sundogs
- Thunder Come Back to Win 2-1 in OT - Wichita Thunder
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