Barons end series with win over Aeros

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — In a five-goal game, the Barons won Game 4 on Tuesday night and await their next series.
 
The first goal of the game was scored by centerman Mark Arcobello, his first goal of the post-season.
 
“Pitlick chipped it off, out into the neutral zone and threw it at the net,” said Arcobello. “The goalie left a little too much space on the short side, and I put it in.” This score came at 6:13 in the first period. Twelve minutes later, Houston tied the game on a shot from Nate Prosser, his first of the season. This was the first time that the Aeros had tied the score in this series.

The second period was just 45 seconds old, when Teemu Hartikainen shot from the high circle was redirected by Josh Green.
 
“I got the puck and shot it, I noticed “Greener” tipped it in,” said Hartikainen. This score was Green’s first of the series.
 
Less than four minutes later, Houston scored the equalizer when Kris Foucault scored off the face-off in the Barons defensive zone. This would be the last score by the Aeros.
 
The game winning goal was scored by Defenseman Dylan Yeo, from the left wing circle on a low angle shot that beat the goaltender on the blocker side. “Arcobello caught it behind the net and brought it around,” said Yeo. “I kind of snuck back door and teed her up.”
 
After a lengthy delay to replace a pane of plexi-glass at the second intermission, the third period commenced. Philippe Cornet scored a patient goal mid-way thru the final period. “It was still a tight game until Cornet put that one in,” said Coach Todd Nelson. “His goal gave us a bit of breathing room. My heart wasn’t racing as much after he scored.”
 
While Aeros goaltender Mike Brodeur was behind the net, Barons forward Anton Lander stole the puck and passed it to Cornet. “I was yelling for him to shoot right away,” said Nelson. Cornet was patient and made sure Brodeur was out of position before firing his shot. This goal gave Oklahoma City a two goal lead.
 
At 9:43 a serious injury occurred to Defenseman Colten Teubert. The puck from a face-off draw hit him in the face. He left the ice immediately. His teammate echoed his resilience.
 
“He is one of our main guys on our D-core, he is a tough kid,” said Arcobello. Nelson was concerned about Teubert, “He took a puck to the face, he is going to be out for some time,” said Nelson. “He has been a very good defenseman for us, he is a warrior.”
 
With 1:30 remaining in the contest, the Aeros pulled their goaltender for an extra skater. Green scored an empty net goal, and earned his second goal of the night. The Barons won by a score of 5 to 2. The penalty kill was exceptional for Oklahoma City in this series, as the Aeros did not score a power-play goal in any of the four games. Yann Danis was in net for the win.
 
This is the first post-season series the Barons have won.
 
“It feels really good; it is a big step for our organization,” said Nelson. “I was very happy for the guys, the OKC Barons and the Edmonton Oilers.
 
Oklahoma City now advances onto the second round of the Calder Cup play-offs. With this year’s format, all teams are reshuffled according to their regular season record. The first place Barons should have the home ice advantage against a Western Division opponent. Series two is a best of seven games format.
 
Contact the author at gail.hamill@prohockeynews.com