PHN’s Best Shots of the Game: Oilers finish season with 2-1 OT win

TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Oilers won their final game of the season in dramatic fashion, beating their Central Division rival, The Wichita Thunder 2-1 in overtime, on Saturday. The game was the last game for captain Nathan Lutz, who retired after the game at the age of 37.

Tulsa Oiler forward Ben Murphy opened up the scoring early when he ripped a shot past Shantz on the low blocker side. Murphy’s fourth goal of the season came at the 2:08 mark of the first period and was assisted by Roberts Lipsbergs and Tom Kroshus.

Nathan Lutz (4) will be missed.

The Thunder refused to go in to intermission down by a goal. Christian Isackson scored his 14th of the season at the 16:37 mark of the first period. The assists on the goal went to Kale Kerbashian and Ian Lowe.

The game would remain scoreless through regulation.

During the overtime period Captain Nathan Lutz would take a slap shot that broke his stick. The play didn’t result in a goal, but was equally as important. Just before 2:26 of the overtime period, a Thunder player tripped on the broken stick, allowing Phil Brewer and Brian Nugent to have a breakaway and score the game-wining goal.

Farewell Nathan Lutz:

Following the game, the crowd of 10,480 offered a standing ovation as Lutz took to the ice for one final skate after being named the game’s first star. The well-respected veteran appeared in 221 games for the Oilers, including 11 playoff games over the last three seasons. Lutz did not miss a single game during his tenure in Tulsa, earning the team’s iron man award in each of his last three seasons.

Revered by teammates, competetors and fans alike for his leadership and work ethic, the Mistatim, Saskatchewan native will be remembered as a fierce competitor and a fan favorite wherever he played.

With Tulsa Oilers release

Contact the photographer: Les.Stockton@prohockeynews.com