Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Third-period woes doom Wranglers in 5-3 loss

Wranglers vs. Idaho

STEPHEN SYLVANIE / SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Las Vegas defenseman Charlie Cook (5) leaps around Idaho Steelheads forward William Rapuzzi after shooting the puck into the Idaho zone during the third period of play on Friday night.

Wrangers vs. Idaho

Wranglers right winger Cody Purves (right) delivers a punch to Idaho forward Luke Judson during a first period fight on Friday night at the Orleans Arena. Launch slideshow »

In the first of five straight games against the Idaho Steelheads, the Las Vegas Wranglers third-period struggles continued as they were defeated 5-3 before an announced crowd of over 4,500 fans on Friday night.

Idaho opened the scoring at the 7:25 mark of the first period with a Tommy Grant goal. Wrangler Adam Hughesman answered with a rocketing slap shot from the face-off circle that beat Idaho goaltender Pat Nagle to tie the game 1-1.

Special teams was a factor in the second period as Idaho forward David de Kastrozza forced a puck through Wranglers goaltender Travis Fullerton to score a short-handed goal. Las Vegas answered with a power play goal from center Chris Francis to tie the game, 2-2.

Idaho opened the scoring in the third period, with Gaelan Patterson netting his sixth goal of the season to give the Steelheads a 3-2 lead. Robbie Smith continued his inspired play as he backhanded his fourth goal in five games for the Wranglers to tie the game once again at 8:18 of the third. Gaelan Patterson scored his second of the night, and William Rapuzzi iced the game with a goal for Idaho to make it 5-3.

Seeking their 13th win of the season, the Wranglers will host the Steelheads again Saturday night at the Orleans Arena with a puck drop at 7:05.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy