Wranglers Stomp RoadRunners 5-1 to Take Game One

Published on April 10, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Phoenix, AZ - The Las Vegas Wranglers (1-0) defeated the Phoenix RoadRunners (0-1) 5-1 at the U.S. Airways Center on Tuesday night. Las Vegas was victorious behind a balanced scoring effort and stingy defense. Five different goal scorers lit the lamp and goalie Mike McKenna made 28 saves as the Wranglers won their 14th game in a row. The Wranglers tied the ECHL's all-time mark set by the 2001 Louisiana Ice Gators and the 1994 Knoxville Cherokees. Forwards Shawn Limpright, Derek Edwardson, Marco Peluso and Tyler Mosienko, as well as defensemen Aaron Power, each scored in the win. Power also added two assists to cap off his three-point night. The Wranglers set two playoff records with most shots in one period (23 - first period) and most shots in a game (50). Las Vegas leads the best of seven series 1-0 with Game Two in Phoenix on Thursday at 7:11 pm.

"We came out strong in the first period and we were a little frustrated with the outcome," said Las Vegas Head Coach Glen Gulutzan. "We were rewarded for our hard work in the second period, as we capitalized on the power play. Basically it was a solid team effort".

In the first period, Las Vegas started out with a flurry of shots, snagging the first goal of the series as Marco Peluso scored on the power play at 4:00. The Wranglers set a new team record in the first period with 23 shots on goal, the most ever in one period of playoff hockey. The 23 shots tied the league record for most shots in a period during the playoffs. Phoenix tied the game 1-1 with only eight seconds remaining in the first period as Kris Hogg knocked in a rebound for the equalizer. Phoenix goalie Cody Rudkowsy tied a league record for most saves in a period during the playoffs with 22 saves.

In the second period, Las Vegas took advantage of two Phoenix power plays netting two goals in 21-seconds. The first goal came off the stick of Derek Edwardson, who cranked out a slap shot from the right-wing circle at 3:22 for the 2-1 Wranglers lead. Defenseman Aaron Power ripped a shot from the point, through traffic and into the back of the net at 3:43 for the 3-1 Las Vegas lead. Winger Shawn Limpright danced around the defense and roofed the puck under the cross bar at 12:54 for the 4-1 lead. Center Tyler Mosienko extended the Las Vegas lead to 5-1 at 17:13 of the second period. Las Vegas outshot Phoenix 17-4 in the middle period.

"We played a good game tonight and executed on our chances," said Las Vegas forward Shawn Limpright. "First period we played well, but we just didn't get much out of it. The second period opened up for us and we cruised in the third period. We have a lot of respect for them and we know they will come out hard on Thursday."

Las Vegas will play Game Two on Thursday April 12th at 7:11pm (PST) at the U.S. Airways Center. The Wranglers will return home to host the Roadrunners for Games Three and Four on Friday and Saturday night at 7:05pm (PST) at the Orleans Arena. If Necessary, Game Five is set for Monday, April 16th and Game Six is set for Tuesday, April 17th in Las Vegas.

National Conference Quarter Finals, Round One: 2007 Kelly Cup Playoffs:

Game 1: Tuesday, April 10th Las Vegas Wranglers 5 at Phoenix RoadRunners 1

Game 2: Thursday, April 12th Las Vegas Wranglers at Phoenix RoadRunners at 7:00 pm

Game 3: Friday, April 13th Phoenix RoadRunners at Las Vegas Wranglers 7:05 pm

Game 4: Saturday, April 14th Phoenix RoadRunners at Las Vegas Wranglers 7:05 pm

Game 5: Monday, April 16th Phoenix RoadRunners at Las Vegas Wranglers 7:05 pm -X

Game 6: Tuesday, April 17th Phoenix RoadRunners at Las Vegas Wranglers 7:05 pm -X

Game 7: TBD Las Vegas Wranglers at Phoenix RoadRunners - X

(Best of Seven Series - Las Vegas leads Series 1-0)

X= If Necessary

Tickets for the 2007 Kelly Cup Playoffs are on sale now. Fans may obtain ticket information by calling the Wranglers front office at (702)-471-7825.

The Wranglers play all 36 home games at the Orleans Arena, located at the Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue. Seat packages to see the Wranglers play at the Orleans Arena for the 2007-08 season are on sale, starting as low as $157. Call (702) 471-PUCK (7825) for more information or visit www.lasvegaswranglers.com.

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ECHL Stories from April 10, 2007


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