Tornado comeback falls short in Wichita Falls on Saturday
February 5, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Texas Tornado News Release
Despite climbing back from a two-goal deficit in the 3rd period, the Texas Tornado fell for the first time this season to the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Saturday night in Wichita Falls by a score of 4-2. The Tornado outshot the âCats 37-35, but went 0 for 8 on the power play in the loss.
Making his first start since January 21st, Tornado goaltender Jake Stafford made 10 saves in the opening period to keep the Wildcats off the board, which included two penalty kills. Stafford's counterpart Tyler Green was equally as good in the Wildcats net as he also made 10 saves and stopped two Tornado power plays in the opening period as both teams struggled to find the back of the net.
The Tornado power play continued its struggles in the 2nd period, as Texas had a 5 on 3 for over two minutes, but failed to get many shots and quality chances on goaltender Tyler Green. A Tornado turnover at the blueline led to the first Wildcats goal of the night, as on a 2 on 1 led to a pass from Ryan Frost to a wide open Wade Bennett , who put the puck past an outstretched Stafford for the 1-0 Wildcats lead. Tornado penalties led to the second Wildcats goal as Mikhail Sentyurin got free on the back door and smashed home a power play goal for a 2-0 Wildcats lead at the end of two periods.
The Tornado would mount a serious comeback in the 3rd period as just over four minutes in Jackson Leef lit the lamp for his 17th goal of the season on a rebound after a drive from linemate Jack Prince to bring the score to within 2-1. The Tornado would tie the game at 2-2 as Leef drove down the left wing and fed a pass to Prince in the high slot as Prince fired a one-timer over the shoulder of Green for his 15th goal of the season. However, the Wildcats would regain the lead for good as with less than seven minutes remaining another Tornado defensive pinch gone wrong led to a 2 on 1, in which Dakota Klecha converted on the backdoor pass to make it 3-2. A few more late Tornado power plays netted very little and a Wildcats empty net goal would make the final 4-2.
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North American Hockey League Stories from February 5, 2011
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- High-Flying Bobcats Scorch Wings 6-2 - Bismarck Bobcats
- Tornado comeback falls short in Wichita Falls on Saturday - Texas Tornado
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- NAHL Announces Goaltender of the Month - NAHL
- Bulls Look For Third Straight Win Tonight - Amarillo Bulls
- Wenatchee Claims Second Place in West Division - Wenatchee Wild
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