Thunder sweep Ontario in two-game series, close gap to four points of first place

Published on February 14, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


ONTARIO, Calif. - Goaltender Andrew Perugini improved to 7-1-1 in his last nine games with 25 saves while Matt Robinson and Chris D'Alvise each posted one goal and one assist to help the Stockton Thunder edge the Ontario Reign in a 3-2 victory, before 5,583 fans at Citizens Business Bank Arena on Saturday.

The win helped boost the Thunder run to 6-1-1 in the last eight games and move to within four points of first place in the Pacific Division after the Bakersfield Condors lost, 4-0 at home to the Las Vegas Wranglers. James Bates also pitched in with a goal for the Thunder, who swept a home-and-home weekend series from Ontario.

Both teams battled through a scoreless tie through one period as Perugini turned away two Ontario shots, including a snap shot by Sean O'Connor from the right wing at the middle point of the period.

The Thunder finally broke through with Bates' 16th goal of the season at the 7:27 mark of the second period to take a 1-0 lead, when he buried a rebound into a half-open net from close range after Matt Robinson's snap shot at the right circle tricked wide through the five-hole of Ontario goaltender Curtis Darling.

Perugini withstood seven Ontario shots in the second period, including a close-range backhander by Greg Hogeboom.

Robinson's 15th goal of the season hiked the lead to 2-0 at 1:03 of the third period when he rifled a snap shot past Darling's blocker side from the right circle.

After D'Alvise was held from behind on a breakaway, he converted the first penalty shot goal of his career and the team-leading 22nd of the season at 9:07 to boost the lead to 3-0, when he deked Darling to the glove side and roofed a forehand shot under the crossbar.

Ontario got back in the game with two power-play goals in a span of 2:53, starting with Mike Egener's one-timer from the right point that beat Perugini through traffic.

Tim Kraus then collected a loose puck in the slot and whistled a wrist shot past Perugini's blocker to cut the deficit to 3-2 with 3:55 left in regualtion, awakening a previously deflated Citizens Business Bank Arena crowd.

Darling was pulled for an extra attacker for one final Ontario rush with 30 seconds left and worked the puck into the corners, but a centering bid for David Walker's one-timer in the mid-slot was robbed by Perugini with just 1.5 left in the game, sealing the victory.

Darling made 28 saves in the defeat.

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