Wildcatters' Magical Season comes to a close in 4-3 OT loss at Florida
May 4, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release
Estero, FL (May 4, 2007) Florida defenseman Chris Lee scored at 15:11 of the first OT to send the Everblades to the American Conference Finals as Florida defeated the Wildcatters 4-3 in front of 6,442 at Germain Arena. The Everblades win the best of seven South Division Finals four games to two and move on to the American Conference Finals to face the Dayton Bombers.
The Wildcatters magical season was just one goal away from continuing but Florida got some key saves from goaltender Craig Kowalski and the power play goal from Lee to advance to the next round. The âCatters had to rally three times in the game as Florida scored just 34 seconds in with a one timer from the stick of Derek Damon. J.F David answered the call for the Wildcatters jamming the puck past Kowalski to tie the game at one. Ryan Brindley gave the Everblades the lead back at 2-1 with a power play goal 10:29 into the first. Leon Hayward answered for Texas with his first of the playoffs 50 seconds after as he blasted a shot past Kowalski.
In the second period, Brindley scored his second of the night on the power play as he came out of the penalty box and beat âCatters goalie Matt Yeats with a shot from the left wing circle. The Wildcatters trailed by one goal going into the third period and Mike Bayrack would force overtime with his third of the playoffs 3:35 into the period with a great feed from Brandin Cote.
Overtime proved to be thrilling as each team traded penalty shot opportunities and power plays. Matt Yeats stopped David Brine at 1:53 while Craig Kowalski stopped Colin Nicholson at 10:22, but it was a power play goal by Lee at 15:11 that proved costly as Florida beat the Wildcatters.
Matt Yeats made 36 saves for the Wildcatters. The âCatters finished 0 for 11 on the power play while Florida finished 3 for 11.
Don't miss any hard-hitting Wildcatters hockey action. Wildcatters' 2007-08 season tickets are also now on sale. They start at just $9 per game and feature numerous benefits including free parking and discounted merchandise. Visit www.wildcattershockey.com for more information. The Texas Wildcatters are the ECHL affiliate for the AHL's Houston Aeros.
ECHL Stories from May 4, 2007
- Bombers announce home dates for conference finals - Dayton Bombers
- 'Blades announce conference finals schedule - Florida Everblades
- 'Blades win OT thriller 4-3; win serie s over Texas 4-2 - Florida Everblades
- Wildcatters' Magical Season comes to a close in 4-3 OT loss at Florida - Texas Wildcatters
- ECHL Transactions - ECHL
- Bombers Join Aces, Steelheads In Final Four - ECHL
- Steelheads To Host Party For Fans To Watch Conference Finals In Alaska - Idaho Steelheads
- ECHL Today - ECHL
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