BOISE, Idaho – Only two games into this series and the Wranglers and Steelheads had played eleven periods of hockey and produced a series tied at one game apiece. On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, the two sides competed through triple overtime before the Steelheads prevailed 3-2 on a goal midway through the third extra session.
Neither team was interested in going beyond regulation but given the outcome of game three, Las Vegas would certainly like to see some extra time added to the clock Friday night in Boise.
Blair Riley was looking to stake the Wranglers to an early lead and set the stage for a quick end to the evening. Riley netted his second of the series at 2:25 of the first period and quieted the Idaho home crowd.
But just over three minutes later Tyler Ludwig picked up his first of the post season and knotted the game at one.
From there on the game was controlled by Idaho as they looked to establish home ice advantage over Vegas in this short five-game series.
Both teams played to a stalemate over the rest of the first and into the second period though the Wranglers were clearly pushing the offense and outshot the hosts 12-8 in the middle frame.
In the third, Tyson Hobbins netted his first of the series to push the Steelheads into the lead for the first time in the series. His goal came at 7:27 and was the eventual game winner.
Both clubs pressed for the advantage for the rest of the game but the Steelheads were able to deflect the Wranglers’ efforts until Evan Barlow scored into the empty net for the insurance with less than a minute on the clock.
The wranglers are now in a must-win position and cannot yield another win or go home to Vegas for the off season.
Michael Ouzas made 24 saves on 26 shots in the loss while Jerry Kuhn saved 26 of 27 shots for the win.
Game four in the series is Saturday night in Boise.
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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