In Evansville’s ‘home finale’ inside the Ford Center the Oilers were victorious 3-2.
Phil Brewer took a shot in the first period that Adam Pleskach, former IceMen, got a stick on for his 21st of the season. Christophe Lalancette took the secondary assist on the goal that gave Tulsa an early 1-0 lead.
At the 8:01 mark Evansville broke the Oilers advatange. Andrew Harrison backhanded the puck past Jussi Olkinuora to knot the contest 1-1.
Midway through the second frame Pleskach inked his second of the night. Lalancette earned his second assist.
A Tulsa shot off the glass and a little luck advanced the Oilers lead, 3-1. Brewer would have credit for the power play goal with assists going to Tom Kroshus and Mathieu Brisebois.
A 5-on-3 for the IceMen early in the third period would give a big opportunity for them to produce but they could not.
Daniel Turgeon, seven minutes into the third period, accepted a pass from Nathan Moon to score a power play goal for his first in Evansville.
Although the IceMen fought back , they would not catch up to the Oilers who owned a 3-2 victory on Saturday night.
The Oilers travel to Missouri on Tuesday to face the Mavericks in their hunt for points to earn a spot in the Kelly Cup Playoffs.
Up next for the Oilers, the team is in Quad City for the final contest of the season. The Mallards, like the Oilers, are third in their division. However, the Mallards currently hold the eighth and final playoff position but a regulation time win tonight will put the Oilers within one point of the team guarding the chance at playoffs this season. The two teams have seen each other four times this season, leaving a 2-1-1 record for the Oilers. Both teams are coming of a two game losing streak; only one will come out with a two point boost in their standings. For the Oilers, that means a better chance at catching and surpassing Quad City, taking their playoff position. A win for the Mallards helps cushion their playoff spot at a full five points above the Oilers.
On the way home from Quad City, the boys will make a pit stop in Evansville, Indiana where they face the IceMen at 7:05pm tomorrow night. Depending on how the matchup with Quad City goes tonight, tomorrow’s battle could put the Oilers in the playoffs. The team will then make their way to back to Tulsa before heading up the road to Independence, Missouri to take on the Missouri Mavericks for the first of two games during the final week of the regular season. The Oilers will also face the Wichita Thunder two times next week. The first game on Wednesday will be on the other end of the turnpike before the teams switch venues for the final game on Saturday.
As if the spectacle on the ice isn’t reason enough to make your way out to the BOK on game day, there’s additional perks throughout the week that lend to an even more enjoyable evening. It’s no mystery that those who find themselves in the strenuous yet rewarding college grind are passionate about all things free and cheap. Well, the Oilers are well aware of this, as well as the necessary mental vacation needed amidst studies. We invite you to grab a buddy or two and join us rinkside on Tuesdays and Thursdays! We’ll even put some Papa John’s in your hands, and the best part is – all this can be yours for the price of $12!
If you’re looking for things to do in Tulsa mid-week, there is an affordable downtown getaway for you, dinner included. You don’t have to stress about finding a dining option with parking in close enough proximity to the arena to make the game on time; we’ll take care of your stomachs once you’re here! There’s nothing that screams game-time like a juicy, All-American dog. Wednesday nights are your lucky nights: $1 hot dogs. Four quarters is all you’ll have to fork out… and we’ll gladly hand you a fork if you get too ambitious with your condiments.
