Thunder, Tulsa locked in battle for final playoff spot
Published on March 12, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
THUNDER STOPS EAGLES IN SHOOTOUT- The Thunder exploded for three shootout goals - their most since an opening weekend win over Oklahoma City "" and Andrew Martin stopped three of four shootout attempts, guiding the Thunder to a 3-2 home victory over Colorado on Wednesday. Scott Rozendal scored a regulation goal, along with Joe Blaznek, who also netted the shootout game-winner. Travis Clayton also scored in the shootout, snapping his streak of 17 straight missed shootout attempts, dating back to the 2002-03 season.
RAGE STUNS THUNDER- The Thunder led for most of the game but couldn't hold on, falling 4-3 at Rocky Mountain on Thursday. Trailing 3-2, the Rage scored two late third period goals for the victory. Tim Earl, Steve Dix and Scott Rozendal all scored goals, while Ryan McLean chipped in a pair of assists.
SCORPIONS EDGE THUNDER- Andrew Martin made 53 saves but it wasn't enough, as the Thunder fell, 2-1, at New Mexico on Saturday. Kris Wiebe scored the lone goal for the Thunder, who were outshot 55-23 for the game.
PLAYOFF UPDATE- With 13 days to go, the Thunder now holds a slim two-point lead over Tulsa for the final playoff spot in the Northern Conference, though Tulsa still has two games in hand. The two teams will meet just one more time, on Sunday, March 25 in Wichita "" the final day of the regular season. If the playoffs started today, Wichita would face Colorado - the number one seed "" in the first round.
MILESTONES- With 306, 10-year veteran Travis Clayton needs six goals to tie former Thunder star Paul Jackson for second place in CHL history for goals scored. 11-year veteran Jason Duda sits behind Clayton at 301, though Duda's next goal will be his 300th in a Thunder uniform. Duda scored his first two pro goals in 1996 as a member of the Oklahoma City Blazers. Clayton is also just two penalty minutes shy of 1000 for his CHL career and six minutes shy of passing Jeff Leiter for second in Thunder history. Over the weekend, Duda recorded the first 100-penalty minute season of his pro career.
200 PIM CLUB- Steve Dix, Ryan McLean and Matt Coughlin continue to pile up the penalty minutes, making the Thunder the only team in the CHL with three players over 200 penalty minutes. Dix ranks third in the CHL with 273, followed by McLean in fourth at 255 and Coughlin in fifth with 228.
INJURY REPORT- Goaltender Sebastien Laplante remains on injured reserve and is expected to miss at least another week. The Thunder hopes Laplante can return to the lineup for the final three games of the season next weekend. The Thunder added a fourth goaltender to the roster on Friday, signing rookie Jon Horrell to a five-game tryout. Horrell, who spent the last two seasons at Bowling Green University, is expected to make his pro debut this weekend.
THUNDERBOLTS- Joe Blaznek is tied for the CHL lead with eight game-winning goals...Sebastien Laplante is tied for the CHL with a .928 save percentage...The Thunder ranks fourth in the CHL in penalty killing, at 85.9%...Wichita has given up a CHL-high 20 shorthanded goals...Wichita ranks last in the CHL at 29 shots per game and is allowing a CHL-most 38.3 shots per game...Steve Dix has recorded penalty minutes in nine straight games.
LAST WEEK'S GAMES:
Wednesday, March 7- Colorado 2 at Wichita 3 Win (SO)
Thursday, March 8- Wichita 3 at Rocky Mountain 4 Loss
Saturday, March 10- Wichita 1 at New Mexico 2 Loss
THIS WEEK'S GAMES:
Friday, March 16- Wichita at Rocky Mountain 8:05 PM
Saturday, March 17- Bossier-Shreveport at Wichita 7:05 PM
Sunday, March 18- Rocky Mountain at Wichita 5:05 PM 1410 AM
PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Tuesday-Wednesday Wichita Ice Center 10:00 AM
METAL BLADE RECORDS PLAYER OF THE WEEK-
Goaltender Andrew Martin (1-2-0 Record, .944 save percentage)
Central Hockey League Stories from March 12, 2007
- Sundogs to Host NFL Arizona Cardinals March 16th - Arizona Sundogs
- Oakley CHL Player and Goaltender of the Week Announced - CHL
- Rage's Clay Plume Named CHL Player of the Week - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Thunder, Tulsa locked in battle for final playoff spot - Wichita Thunder
- Eagles Week in Review - Colorado Eagles
- SteelHounds Partner with XSCoast2Coast.com, #1 Distributor of XS Energy Drinks - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Rocky Mountain Rage Weekly Update - Rocky Mountain Rage
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