Thunder takes game one of the first round series on three-goal comeback

Published on April 10, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


BOISE, Idaho - Left wing Tim Sestito's shorthanded goal with 4:13 left in regulation capped a three-goal third period comeback and lifted the Stockton Thunder to a come-from-behind 4-2 win over the Idaho Steelheads in game one of the National Conference quarterfinal round of the 2007 Kelly Cup Playoffs, before 1,879 at Qwest Arena on Tuesday.

The Thunder won its first Kelly Cup playoff game in the modern club history and leads the series 1-0 (best-of-seven).

Thunder defenseman Jason Beckett scored the first playoff goal in Stockton history at 9:43 of the first period for a power-play marker, giving the Thunder a 1-0 lead. Rookie Mathieu Melanson fed Beckett at the right point, who drew traffic in front of Idaho goaltender Steve Silverthorn and beat Silverthorn with a slapshot from the right point.

Idaho tied the game on a two-man advantage with 2:10 left in the first period, as Derek Nesbitt netted his first goal of the playoffs. Idaho right wing Lance Galbraith fed Nesbitt from the left corner, followed by Nesbitt's one-timer from the top of the crease that found its way through the five-hole of Thunder goaltender Devan Dubnyk.

Both teams engaged in a scoreless second period, as Dubnyk made eight stops in the frame, while Silverthorn made 10 for Idaho. The Thunder was denied on the period's best scoring chance, when Silverthorn kept the game tied via a sprawling glove on a shot by Melanson.

Idaho took a 2-1 lead on a goal by Lance Galbraith at the third period's 3:36 mark, using two defenders as a screen, skated into the slot from the right corner and caromed a wrist shot that beat Dubnyk to the blocker side.

The Thunder began its comeback at the 11:51 mark on a game-tying goal by rookie defenseman Ryan Geris, for his first professional playoff goal. Geris took a pass from Pepperall and drew traffic in front of Silverthorn, followed by a snap-shot that deflected off a screen set by Thunder right wing Troy Bodie and into the net.

Just 4:56 later, Sestito netted the dramatic go-ahead shorthanded goal for a 3-2 Thunder lead. Sestito gathered a cleared puck at the neutral zone while Idaho was making a line change, skated down the left wing and lifted a wrist shot from the left circle over the blocker side of Silverthorn.

Rookie Liam Reddox wrapped up the game with an empty-net goal, with 1:13 remaining in regulation.

In his first professional playoff game, Dubnyk earned the win in net with 26 saves, while Silverthorn stopped 23 for Idaho. Geris (1g-1a) and Pepperall (two assists) each had two points to lead the Thunder offense.

Before the game, the Thunder activated defenseman Beau Geisler off the three-day injured reserve list and placed forward Brock Radunske on the seven-day injured reserve list (retroactive to April 8).

The Thunder and Steelheads return to play tomorrow for game two of the best-of-seven series, starting at 6:10 p.m. at Qwest Arena. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and is available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" charge at www.stocktonthunder.com (courtesy of B2 Networks).

Recently named host of the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game, the Thunder has led the ECHL in regular season attendance for two consecutive seasons and drew 244,085 fans (6,780 average) to Stockton Arena this year. Ticket packages and individual tickets for the Kelly Cup Playoffs presented by Diede Construction and California Welding Supply Co. and 2007-08 Thunder season tickets 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.

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