Wild Fall Short in Overtime: Game 3 Is Thursday in Wenatchee
April 22, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wenatchee Wild News Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Max Birkinbine scored five minutes and20 seconds into overtime to lift the Fairbanks Ice Dogs to a 2-1 victory overthe Wenatchee Wild Saturday at the Big Dipper Ice Arena in Fairbanks, Alaska.The win gave the Ice Dogs a 2-0 advantage in the West Division semifinalseries.
The series now shifts to Wenatchee. Game 3 is at 6:35 p.m. Thursdayat the Town Toyota Center.
The Ice Dogs drew first blood 3:17 into the first periodwhen Pavlo Padakin lit the light on a backhand wraparound. Max Birkinbine andPete Spratte assisted.
After killing a 5-minute major penalty in the second period,the Wild knotted the score 1-1 with 3:17 remaining in the second period on Jerad Tafoya's (Highland Ranch, Colo.)unassisted marker. Tafoya scored the goal on a wrist shot from the top of thefar circle after picking off a pass in the Fairbanks zone. It was his secondgoal of the divisional finals.
Fairbanks tried desperately to break the tie over the final threeminutes of second period but Wenatchee's defense, led by Greg Lewis (Mars, Pa.), was up to the task.
The Wild penalty-kill was tested again late in the thirdperiod when it was forced to defend the fort during a pair of 2-minute penaltieswith less than six minutes remaining in regulation.
The Wild had two terrific scoring chances early in overtimebut were unable to capitalize on either chance. Birkinbine's game-winner, whichwas assisted by Sean O'Rourke and Padakin, was his third goal of the series.
Despite the loss, Lewis was magnificent. He made 34 saves on36 shots and gave the Wild opportunities to win down the stretch. Alex Fonzmade 18 saves on 19 shots for the Ice Dogs.
The Wild did not receive a single power play opportunity inthe loss. Wenatchee killed off four Fairbanks power plays, including a large portionof the 5-minute major in the second period.
Birkinbine and Padakin led the Ice Dogs with a goal and anassist apiece.
Tickets for Game 3 can be purchased by calling 509-888-PUCK(7825), by visiting the Town Toyota Center Box Office or by logging on to http://tickets.wenatcheewild.com/.
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