Friday, April 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
Blaine Moore, playoff hero?
It's not that shocking a scenario because it's a role he has played before.
The 26-year-old forward turned last year's East Coast Hockey League playoffs into his personal showcase, averaging two points a game in leading Richmond to the championship.
While the International Hockey League is a big step up, Thunder coach Chris McSorley is convinced Moore will be an important cog in the team's drive for the Turner Cup.
"This is his time of the year," McSorley said. "Blaine was a player you knew would be there because of his skill. He understands the importance of the big game and he has the ability to raise his level of play."
Moore, who had just 35 points in his first year with the Thunder, scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Phoenix Roadrunners in Game 1 of the best-of-five Western Conference opening-round series.
But from Moore's perspective, he didn't change his game at all.
"I don't think I do anything different in the playoffs," he said. "That shot I scored on I probably get a lot during the season. It just happened to go in.
"I think what happens is that everything in the playoffs tends to magnify itself. Each shift is so important, you can't afford to take one off."
Moore and linemates Joe Day and Darren Banks were probably Las Vegas' best line in Game 1. They won virtually every battle along the boards and in the corners while putting pressure on the Phoenix defense.
"We worked well together," Moore said. "I think our styles complement each other well. Darren's a banger who likes to go up and down the boards and Joe works the corners well and can go to the net."
It took a bit of fate to link the trio. If Darcy Loewen had not broken his ankle and Paul DiPietro not come down with the flu, Moore may have been the swing forward Wednesday and Banks probably wouldn't have suited up.
But they responded with a big effort and were ultimately responsible for the Thunder holding a 1-0 edge in the series.
"You hope it's not going to be the game-winning goal," Moore said of his third-period wrist shot that eluded Frederick Beaubien. "But a two-goal lead with 10-plus minutes to go should stand up, especially in your own building."
It did. Barely.
Thunderbolts...
* ZHOLTOK SITS OUT: It's not serious, but Sergei Zholtok, the hero of Game 1 with two second-period goals, sat out Thursday's practice at the Santa Fe with swelling in his knee. Trainer Rich Campbell said Zholtok was held out just to get a day's rest and he'll be ready to go Monday for Game 2. ... Paul DiPietro returned to the ice Thursday, saying he was feeling much better and would also be ready for Game 2. DiPietro came down with the flu Tuesday night and never made it to the Thomas & Mack for Game 1 Wednesday. ... The team is off today and will practice at the Santa Fe Saturday and Sunday.
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