Las Vegas Wranglers Fold Aces in 5-4 Shootout Win
The Las Vegas Wranglers topped the league-leading Alaska Aces 5-4 in a shootout victory tonight, overcoming two disallowed goals to take the first of a two-game series (Pictured: Wranglers forward Andrew Sarauer congratulates goaltender Joe Fallon on the shootout win over Alaska – Photo credit: Stephen Sylvanie).
Alaska took an early 1-0 lead on Las Vegas seven minutes into the game on a goal from forward Nick Mazzolini. The Wranglers were quick to respond, tallying an unassisted goal from center Chris Francis at the 14:02 mark, but the Aces took a 2-1 lead at the end of the first off the stick of center Bobby Hughes.
Sixty-eight seconds into the second, Mazzolini recorded his second goal of the night to put the Wranglers in a two-goal deficit. Wranglers right wing Sean Wiles posted his twelfth of the season to make it a 3-2 game, and a sniper from center Judd Blackwater evened the score 3-3 with seven minutes left in the second, but Alaska once again took a one-goal lead into the next period on a power play goal from forward Shawn Skelly.
The 4-3 score held through the third as Wranglers center Eric Lampe jammed a shot in on Aces goaltender Gerald Coleman, but the goal was waived off on goaltender interference. With 43.7 seconds left in regulation, Lampe scored the undeniable game-tying goal, and the 4-4 score forced the two teams into overtime. Wranglers left wing Adam Hughesman scored what appeared to be a game-winning goal just after a whistle, and Las Vegas’ second disallowed goal kept the extra five minutes going. Decided in a shootout, Wranglers center Chris Francis and forward Andrew Sarauer scored on Alaska to secure the 5-4 win. In the victory, Wranglers goaltender Joe Fallon stopped 32 shots and four of the five shootout rounds.
Tonight’s full box score can be found here.
To wrap up a three-game weekend, the Wranglers play the Colorado Eagles topless on “Over 18 Night” on Monday, Feb. 4, at 9:05 p.m.
Celebrating 10 seasons of Wranglers hockey this year, group events are available at all home games, including pre-game ice skating parties, private luxury suites, and rink-side catered party boxes. Groups of ten or more can sit together starting at $13 per ticket, and feature perks such as in-game group recognition and “buy one, get one free” Chuck-A-Puck vouchers. Take advantage of the best deals by calling the Wranglers front office at (702) 471-PUCK. The Wranglers play all 36 regular season home games at Orleans Arena, located next to the Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. www.lasvegaswranglers.com
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