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Wranglers Punch Back, Come up Short 5-3

March 1, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Las Vegas - Wranglers' forward Robbie Smith scored his fourth goal in the last five games and Chris Francis added three points of his own, but Las Vegas fell to the Idaho Steelheads 5-3 on Friday night despite firing off 32 shots.

Idaho would jump on the scoreboard first as Tommy Grant (17) scored off an assist from Luke Judson (5) midway through the first period. The score would prove to be the lone goal of the opening frame, with the Wranglers taking a 13-9 shot advantage into the first intermission.

The second period would prove to be a bit more high-scoring, as Adam Hughesman buried his team-leading 16th of the year from Chris Francis (20) and Robbie Smith (7) just 2:08 into the period. The goal, which tied the game up 1-1, gives Hughesman 10 points in his last 11 games. The Steelheads would jump right back on top, though as David de Kastrozza put back an unassisted short-handed score, his 11th goal of the season, to give Idaho a 2-1 lead. Once again, Las Vegas would answer, this time on the power-play, as Francis (10) scored his first goal since Jan. 4 to tie the game 2-2, assisted by Charlie Cook (14) and Greg Coburn (6). At the close of the frame, Las Vegas had widened their shot lead to 26-17.

Idaho opened up the third period with a goal just 6:23 in, as Gaelan Patterson (5) beat Wranglers goaltender Travis Fullerton off an assist from De Kastrozza (17), who finished with a three point night. Las Vegas would answer back just a short two minutes later as Smith (6) grabbed his fifth point in the last five games, assisted by Francis (21), who posted three points (1g, 2a) in the loss. With the game knotted up 3-3, Patterson (6) found paydirt for the second time in the game, assisted by de Kastrozza (18) and Matthew Walters (4) with 9:05 to go. Idaho would widen their lead with just 17:36 left in the period, as William Rapuzzi scored his 13th of the season, assisted by Judson (6) and Grant (22).

Tomorrow night, the stretch of five straight games against the Steelheads continues, as the Wranglers will sport Spider-Man-inspired "Superhero Jerseys" for the 7:05pm faceoff at Orleans Arena. After that, the two teams will head up to Boise, Ida. for games on Wednesday, Mar. 5, Friday, Mar. 7 and Saturday, Mar. 8. Following the trip to Idaho, the Wranglers will then continue their six-game road swing with hikes to Ontario on Friday, Mar. 14, Stockton on Sunday, Mar. 16 and Bakersfield on Tuesday, Mar. 18.

Group tickets for the Wranglers' 11th season are on sale now! With five different event options for groups of 10 or more, a Wranglers game is the perfect way to celebrate with friends, host a unique corporate outing, or fundraise for your organization. Groups can save 35 percent off regular game-day ticket prices, and luxury packages start at just $300 with food and drink options available. For more information, contact the Wranglers front office at (702) 471-7825 or visit wranglers.co . Don't forget to find the Wranglers on Facebook and follow @WranglersLV on Twitter for the latest updates.

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