Chappell Scores Game-Winner in OT in Game Five
Box Score
(courtesy of the Wichita Thunder)
Wichita, KS (April 21st) – Chris Chappell scored 1:59 into the first overtime and propelled Wichita to a 2-1 victory over the Texas Brahmas in Game Five of the Berry Conference Finals Saturday Night at INTRUST Bank Arena. Wichita leads the best-of-seven series 3-2 with the series shifting back to the Dallas/Fort Worth area for Game Six on Monday night.
Wichita came out and asserted itself in the first period. Daniel Tetrault capitalized on a Thunder power play, which had scored just one goal in its last 35 chances in the post-season. At 12:11, Thomas Beauregard got to a loose puck and gave it over to Tetrault (3) who beat Brad Fogal to make it 1-0. The Brahmas had plenty of opportunities in the first, but could not convert on three power play chances.
Texas tied the game in the third period after Dustin Donaghy was called for tripping. Brett Findlay put home a rebound at 12:54, which was the first goal scored by Texas in the third period in this series and made it 1-1.
In the overtime session, Wichita was all over Texas, outshooting the Brahmas 4-0. With the Thunder pressuring and getting scoring opportunities, Kevin Young kept the puck in the zone at the right point and it bounced loose to Chappell at the left circle and he put it over the blocker of Fogal to give the Thunder a 2-1 win.
Wichita is now 9-5 all-time in overtime games in the post-season and improves to 6-0 on home-ice in the playoffs. Thomas Beauregard extended his point-scoring streak to eight games with an assist tonight.
The Thunder finally bucked the trend, scoring first for the first time in the post-season. Wichita also cashed in on a power play, going 1-for-4 with the man advantage while Texas also went 1-for-4.
Wichita leads the best-of-seven series 3-2 with Game Six taking place Monday night in North Richland Hills, TX.