TULSA, Okla. – Down to three true defensemen and without veteran center Marty Standish, the 13 skaters in the Tulsa Oilers’ lineup banded together for a well-earned 4-2 victory over the Dayton Gems in front of 4,008 at the BOK Center.
Dayton forward Damien Surma put the Gems out front six minutes into the opening frame but it didn’t take long for the Oilers to respond. Michel Beausoleil picked up a bouncing puck in the Gems zone and fluttered a shot past Larry Sterling to pull the Oilers even. Four minutes later, rookie forward Dylan Clarke capitalized on a Dayton turnover by roofing a backhand over the blocker of Sterling for his 21st goal of the season and fourth in the last two games. Mike Ullrich continued the Oilers’ onslaught by showcasing his speed and strength with a tremendous individual effort on Tulsa’s first power play of the night. Ullrich’s goal gave the Oilers a 3-1 lead going into the second period.
In the middle frame, the Oilers’ power play struck again. David Solway buried a rebound from the side of the net to give Tulsa a three-goal advantage.
Jonathan Ornelas pulled the Gems within two early in the third, but the Oilers held on down the stretch to post their second straight victory and earn an important two points.
Tulsa goalie Steve Christie, who earned his third win as a member of the Oilers, turned aside 26 shots despite being tested at close range on several occasions. Pro Hockey News’ Les Stockton recorded all the action on Tuesday night at the BOK Center and has submitted the following images from the contest. ***image2***
Dayton%27s Nic Polaski (%2328) takes possession of the puck.
Tulsa%27s Mike Ullrich takes the puck across the blue line.
Dayton%27s Jonathan Ornelas moves into the Oilers%27 zone.
Dayton goalie Larry Sterling makes a stick save.
Dayton defenseman John Kennedy rests after a shift.
Dayton%27s Brett Lutes moves into the fray.
Dayton%27s Damian Surma moves the puck with the Oilers%27 David Solway in pursuit.
The Oilers raise their sticks in celebration of their victory.
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