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Las Vegas Wranglers Outgun Ontario Reign in Dramatic 3-2 Shootout Win

With the game knotted 2-2 in round seven of the shootout, Las Vegas Wranglers’ defenseman Jeff May emerged as the hero with his ECHL-leading third shootout winner of the season, giving Las Vegas a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Ontario Reign (Photo Credit: IIA Photography). 

The win was the Wranglers’ second in a row and sixth over the last 11 games, and the second straight between the two Pacific Division rivals decided by just one goal. The 37-18 shot advantage was the Wranglers’ biggest positive differential of the season since outshooting the Idaho Steelheads 50-31 back in December.

Despite being on the wrong end in the shooting column early on, the Reign would get on the board first, on their first shot of the game, as Everett Sheen (10) gave Ontario a 1-0 lead 8:12 into the opening period, assisted by Maxim Kitsyn (15).

The Wranglers came out with some jam to start the second period as just 13 seconds in, Vegas center Chad Nehring erased the deficit and knotted the game 1-1 with his 19th goal of the year. The unassisted goal gives Nehring 30 points over his last 29 games (18g, 12a) and was his 10th goal in the last 14 contests. Forward Shawn Skelly (9) would then snap a score of his own past Ontario goaltender J.P. Anderson 12:49 into the frame, assisted by Robbie Smith (9) and Adam Huxley (10).

The Reign would answer though with just 12:39 to go in the game as Matt White tipped in his 20th of the year, assisted by Rocco Carzo (27) and Kyle Bigos (9).

With neither team able to break the deadlock in regulation, the two forced overtime, the second occasion this year the pair have needed extra hockey to decide a winner. Carlo Finucci and Jeff May would score for the Wranglers, while goaltender Travis Fullerton stopped six of seven, propelling Vegas to victory. Fullerton also made 16 combined saves in regulation and overtime, snagging his sixth win in his last 10 starts.

The full box score of tonight’s game can be found here.

The Wranglers will now return back to Las Vegas for a three-game set against the Alaska Aces on Friday, Mar. 28, Saturday, Mar. 29 and Sunday, Mar. 30. Saturday’s game will feature the fourth and final of the 2013-14 post-game concert series with Todd Snider taking the stage immediately after the game. After that, Las Vegas will conclude their 2013-14 home campaign in their regular season finale on Tuesday, Apr. 1 against the Bakersfield Condors.

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.