STOCKTON, Ca – The fight for the Kelly Cup continues to the second round for the National Conference, Pacific Division Finals between the Las Vegas Wranglers and the Stockton Thunder.
Photo by Jack Lima
Both teams went a full seven games in the semi-finals. The second seeded Wranglers defeated the third seeded Bakersfield Condors in a physical and hard fought game. The fourth seeded Thunder defeated the first seeded Ontario Reign in a down to the wire seven game series.
The Wranglers have made the playoffs the last four years straight and the fifth time in the last six years and have advanced to successive rounds as well. While they’ve lost to the Kelly Cup winner each time, they are hoping for a new twist. Wranglers coach Glen Gulutzan is
32-24 in Kelly Cup playoffs, so has plenty of experience under the pressure.
The Thunder is in their third year of playoffs, and their first chance to go to the second round series. Their new Coach Matt Thomas has experience with former teams, and has not missed a playoff season in each of the last five seasons as head coach of the former Fresno Falcons.
In head-to-head action during the regular season the Wranglers and Thunder are split 3-3. Both teams are undefeated in their home arenas against each other.
The Wranglers are 24 percent (9 for 37) on their power play, while the Thunder is at 14 percent (5 for 35). In the penalty kill, the Wranglers were at 86 percent compared to the Thunder at 82 percent. The key to the game for these teams seems to be getting the first goal. When the Thunder is leading at the end of the first period, they are 3-0 in the playoffs, and the Wranglers are 3-2.
The Wrangler’s Defensive line has been impressive in the first series. Dan Spang is tied for post-season lead among his counterparts with three goals and four assists, as well power play points with two power play goals and three power play assists. Other blue-liners such as Sean Owens and Chris St. Croix (plus-6) have three points each. Their ability to get the puck deep has been a key in their wins against Bakersfield.
Photo by Jack Lima
Stockton’s has defenders like Cleve Kinley, with seven points in the post-season (3 goals, 4 assists) and Robbie Bina with four points (1 goal, 3 assists). Veteran Mark Adamek has also been key in the defensive roll with a plus-4.
The Wranglers have three forwards with an average of a point per game in the post-season, like Kelly Czuy with nine points (4 goals, 5 assists), Dan Riedel with eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) and Adam Miller with seven points (1 goal, 6 assists).
The Thunder forwards have similar numbers; Cory Urquhart with nine points (6 goals, 3 assists), Craig Valette with eight points (4 goals, 4 assists) and James Bates with seven points (5 goals, 2 assists).
The Wranglers have split their goal time between John DeCaro and Glenn Fisher. Fisher had four games, and is 3-1 with a .953 save percentage. DeCaro played in three games, with a 1-0-2 record in the post-season and a .913 save percentage.
The Thunder has had some difficulties in their goal tending. Andrew Perugini played in the first game of the past series and came out in the third period with an injury. Pitton finished the game and appeared in two more games, and posted a 1-2 record, with a .826 save percentage.
Parker Van Buskirk was signed as an emergency goalie following the first game, when Perugini was determined to be injured. Van Buskirk, 21, spent most of the regular season in junior hockey league on the Kitchener Rangers. He played in 53 games, posting a .903 save percentage with a 20-25-5 record. Van Buskirk played in the last four playoff games against the Reign, and posted a 3-1 record with a .886 save percentage.
When all the numbers are laid out on the table, the teams appear very equal. Both teams are aggressive and have a great foundation of veteran experience, both in players and management.
Photo by Jack Lima
Prediction: This promises to be another full seven game series, with exciting action in every period. The games will come down to the goal tending skills on both teams, with the Wranglers edging out the Thunder, due entirely to experience. The Wranglers will be the victors in seven games.
This series is in a 1-1-2-3 format, beginning in Stockton. Game one starts Friday, April 24th in the Stockton Arena, followed by game two in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena on Monday 27th, returning to Stockton for two more games, then back to Las Vegas for the final games of the series.
Contact the writer at: shellie.lima@prohockeynews.com Contact the Photographer at: jack.lima@prohockeynews.com
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