Tornado cash in on power-play in 2-1 victory
January 20, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Texas Tornado News Release
The Texas Tornado scored two power-play goals Friday night, the second of which proved to be the game-winner, in a 2-1 victory over the Topeka Roadrunners. Joakim Jutras improved his record to 16-5-3 after making 18 saves in the Texas win. The Tornado extend their lead over Topeka for second place in the South Division to four points, while also gaining ground on division-leading Amarillo, who was idle on Friday.
Texas staved off an early flurry by Topeka, which included a power-play and a shot off the post by Luke Veitch. Both teams had their chances in the later stages of the period, as well, but neither team was able to score in the opening period.
Texas did not have a man-advantage in the opening period, but converted on back-to-back power-plays in the middle frame. With the Tornado in the Topeka zone on an extended power-play shift, Jordan Greenberg passed the puck back out to the point for Nick Neville. Neville gave it across to Lucas Whelan who sent a one-timer through a screen and past Roadrunners goaltender Peter Traber and in for the opening goal of the game.
Under three minutes later, Texas found itself up a man once again. A blast from the point was blocked by Topeka defenseman Chris Bond, but after blocking the shot, Bond dropped to the ice and was unable to get back to feet. This essentially created a two-man advantage for the Tornado, who doubled their lead when a wrist shot from Jack Prince beat Traber on the short side for the Tornado's second power-play goal of the period.
Topeka was able to cut the Tornado lead to one before the end of the second, however, on a goal scored by Richard Young. Young received a stretch pass on the right wing just outside the blue line, made a move to get some space, and scored on a wrist shot from the slot to make it a 2-1 game.
Neither team could score in the third period, though Topeka certainly had its chances late with the extra attacker. A flurry of activity in front forced Jutras to lie flat on his back in order to keep a puck from trickling over the goal line with 3.5 seconds left to play. The Tornado won the ensuing faceoff, though the puck ricocheted out in front after John Kirtland attempted to drive it off the boards. No Roadrunner was able to get a stick on the puck, however, and the Tornado held on for the 2-1 victory.
These same two teams will play again on Saturday at Landon Arena, with opening faceoff scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 20, 2012
- Odessa Offense Explodes In 10-3 Win - Odessa Jackalopes
- Dery's Two Points Not Enough, IceRays Lose 4-2 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Tornado cash in on power-play in 2-1 victory - Texas Tornado
- Kalamazoo Defeats Michigan Behind Two Raffaele Goals - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- Former Aberdeen Wing Alex Brooks Joins Jr. K-Wings - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
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