Condors battle for 2-1 victory over Steelheads

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors (32-25-2-1, 67pts) received two goals by defensemen and G Brian Stewart made 33 saves to take a 2-1 victory over the Idaho Steelheads (28-20-4-8, 68pts) at Rabobank Arena Tuesday night. The win moves Bakersfield into a tie for 4th place in the Western Conference with Stockton and just one point behind Idaho for 3rd. 

The two clubs skated to a scoreless tie in the first period, thanks in large part to Stewart and the Bakersfield penalty kill, which fought off a five-minute major power play by the Steelheads after C Slava Trukhno was assessed a major penalty for spearing and a game misconduct. Idaho out-shot the Condors 11-7 in the period.

A tenacious Condors club hammered away at the Steelheads in the second frame, playing physical and eventually taking the lead. D Joey Ryan blasted home his fifth of the season at 7:53 on a one-timer that beat G Kris Westblom, who was making his pro debut in net. Idaho led in shots 24-22 through 40 minutes.

D Evan Stoflet extended the lead just 6:02 into the third with a wrister inside the right post for his fifth of the season to make it 2-0. Bakersfield was poised to take a shutout victory when a former Condor spoiled Stewart’s bid. LW Mark Derlago notched his league-leading 33rd of the season with less than four minutes remaining to make it a one-goal game. The Condors took over from there, however, fighting back a last-minute surge to take the victory and improve to 8-2-0 in their last 10 games.

 

 

Click here for the Boxscore.

Click here for Marty Raymond’s Postgame comments.

Notes:
The Condors magic number to clinch a playoff berth is down to five with the win… LW Guillaume Lefebvre  (2g-1a) and RW Bobby Robins (0g-3a) both extended their point streaks to three games…  G Brian Stewart has won nine of his last 10 starts… Power plays: BAK 0/1; IDH 0/2.. Three stars: 1. E. Stoflet (BAK); 2. J. Ryan (BAK); 3. B. Stewart (BAK).Next Home Game:
The Condors continue their home stand on Friday and Saturday, both against the Idaho Steelheads. Friday is Street Hockey Stick and Puck Giveaway night, sponsored by Hot 94.1 and Three Way Automotive Group. Saturday is St. Patty’s Day Jersey Off Our Backs Raffle and Auction Night, sponsored by McDonald’s, and Charlie Sheen Night as well, providing a whole slew of ticket and other specials.

Condors in the media:
Tune in to KERN News Talk 1180 tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.Condors President Matthew Riley will be a special guest on Moneywise Guys with Paul Anderson, discussing Charlie Sheen Night.