TULSA, Okla. – One night removed from being shutout in Wichita, the Oilers’ offense sputtered again in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Evansville in front of 5,759 at the BOK Center.
The Icemen took the lead just 2:20 into the game when Brian Bicek sent a screaming wrister past Ian Keserich.
Early in the second, Evansville added to its advantage with a pair of goals from Josh Beaulieu and Bicek in the span of 21 seconds.
The Oilers finally showed some life when Jason Weeks squeezed a shot between the pads of Pier-Olivier Pelletier for his sixth goal of the season.
The tide seemed to be turning for Tulsa but Todd Robinson put an end to the Oilers momentum. The CHL point leader pushed Evansville’s lead back to three when he scored shorthanded at the 17:12 mark.
The game took an ugly turn late in the third period when Evansville forward Mike Sgroi leveled Oilers defenseman Luke Lucyk with a vicious elbow to the head. In the ensuing melee, Keserich and Pelletier fought at center ice while the linesman tried helplessly to break up other altercations around the rink. Sgroi was assessed a major and a game misconduct for his illegal hit to the head. After the dust settled, the teams combined for 122 penalty minutes.
The Oilers and Icemen won’t have to wait long to meet again. Evansville returns to Tulsa on February 17 for the third and final meeting of the season between the clubs.
Pro Hockey News’ Les Stockton recorded all the action at the BOK Center on Saturday evening and has submitted the following images.
Tulsa%27s Michel Beausoleil flashes a grin during a break in the action.
Tulsa%27s Jason Weeks is stymied as he attempts to take a shot in front of Evansville%27s net.
A view of the Tulsa Oilers bench.
Evansville%27s Pier-Olivier Pelletier begins to clear the puck from the net after Tulsa%27s Jason Weeks ended his shutout bid.
Evansville goalie Pier-Oliver Pelletier makes a save.
Tulsa%27s Marty Standish heads up ice with the puck as Evansville%27s Mike Sgroi follows.
Tulsa%27s Luke Lucyk lies on the ice after a shot to the head by Evansville%27s Mike Sgroi%2C which led to an on-ice brawl.
Tulsa goalie Ian Keserich prepares to bop Evansville%27s Pier-Olivier Pelletier as Philippe Plante comes to his aid.
Contact the editor at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com
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