Wranglers Stun Thunder 3-2 In OT, Take Game 4

Published on May 3, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Stockton, CA - The Las Vegas Wranglers® (6-5) defeated the Stockton Thunder (6-5) 3-2 in overtime in Game 4 of the Pacific Division Finals in front of 6,596 fans at the Stockton Arena on Saturday night. Left wing Mick Lawrence blasted a slapshot past Stockton goalie Parker Van Buskirk just 28 seconds into overtime to lift Las Vegas to a 3-2 win. With the victory, the Wranglers tied the series 2-2 and force Game 6 in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Wranglers' forwards Dan Riedel and Tyler Mosienko each scored in regulation. Las Vegas goalie John DeCaro (2-4) stopped 24 of 26 Stockton shots for the win. Stockton goalie Parker Van Buskirk (5-3) made 39 saves in the loss. The victory marked the first time the road team won in the series. Las Vegas will return for Game 5 at the Orleans Arena at 7:30 PM on Monday night.

In the first period, the Thunder took a 1-0 lead for the second time in as many games. Just 2:10 into the opening period, winger Garet Hunt scored his third goal of the playoffs, giving Stockton a 1-0 lead. Hunt scooped up a loose puck in the Wranglers slot and snapped the puck high on the glove side, beating Las Vegas goalie John DeCaro for the first goal of the night.

In the second period, Las Vegas tied the game 1-1 just past the halfway point of the game. The Wranglers worked the puck deep in the Stockton zone as forward Chris Neiszner set up behind the Thunder net. Neiszner then set up Tyler Mosienko in front of the Stockton crease. Mosienko scored his first goal of the playoffs, beating Parker Van Buskirk on the blocker side for the team's first goal of the night. Las Vegas had an opportunity to take a 2-1 lead at 14:11 when Dan Riedel was awarded a penalty shot. Riedel was stopped by Van Buskirk, sending the game into the second intermission tied 1-1.

The two teams traded goals in the third period, starting with the Thunder taking their second lead of the game at 6:49. Forward Ryan Huddy played the puck to the Las Vegas net, goalie John DeCaro tipped the pass, but could not control the puck. Stockton forward Brandon Naurato nudged the puck into the open net for his second goal of the playoffs and a 2-1 Thunder lead. Las Vegas answered back less than four minutes later at 9:39. Defenseman Mike Madill sprung forward Dan Riedel over the left wing Stockton line. Riedel snapped a wrist shot, beating Van Buskirk glove side for his fifth goal of the postseason. Adam Miller also assisted on the goal that tied the game 2-2 and forced overtime.

In overtime, Mick Lawrence carried the puck into the Stockton zone and uncorked a slapshot from right-wing circle that beat Van Buskirk on the stick side for his second goal of the playoffs. Lawrence's second goal of the playoffs helped Las Vegas improve to 1-2 in overtimes this postseason.

The Wranglers will host Game 5 on Monday, May 4th at 7:30 pm. Game 6 is set for Tuesday, May 5th at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena. If needed, Game 7 would be on Wednesday, May 6th at 7:30 PM.

Tickets for Game 5 and Game 6 are on sale now at the Orleans Arena Box Office, the Orleans Casino Showroom Box Office or by calling (702) 284-7777.

Pacific Division Finals Las Vegas vs. Stockton

Game 1: Las Vegas 3 at Stockton 4 F

Game 2: Stockton 2 at Las Vegas 4 F

Game 3: Las Vegas 1 at Stockton 5 F

Game 4: Las Vegas 3 at Stockton 2 OT F (Series tied 2-2)

Game 5: Stockton at Las Vegas on Monday, May 4th at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena

Game 6: Stockton at Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 5th at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena

Game 7: Stockton at Las Vegas on Wednesday, May 6th at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena - X

Best of Seven Series X = If Necessary

Playoff strip packages are available immediately at (702) 471-7825 (PUCK).

2009-10 season seat packages are on sale now at (702) 471-PUCK. The Wranglers play all 36 regular season home games at the Orleans Arena, located at the Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue. Individual game tickets are on sale now at (702) 284-7777.

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