Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Wranglers’ losing streak hits 5 in loss to Komets

Wranglers outshined by Komets

STEPHEN SYLVANIE / SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Las Vegas Wranglers forward Robert Smith (20) takes a faceoff against Fort Wayne Komets forward Mike Vaskivuo (22) from ECHL linesman Todd Owen during the second period of play on Friday night.

Wranglers vs. Komets: Nov. 1, 2013

Las Vegas Wranglers goaltender Mitch O'Keefe looks behind him as a Fort Wayne power play shot skitters into the net in the final minute of the second period on Friday night. Launch slideshow »

The Las Vegas Wranglers were dealt their fifth loss in a row on Friday night by the visiting Fort Wayne Komets 3-1 at the Orleans Arena.

With the exception of a few penalty kills by both teams, including a rare "holding a broken stick" penalty assessed to Fort Wayne forward Mike Vaskivuo, the first period was sloppy and forgettable by both teams.

All the scoring would take place during an eventful second period, with Komets forward Scott Fleming getting Fort Wayne on the board first with his first goal of the season within the first three minutes of the period. The Komets would take a two-goal lead with a score by left winger Chris Auger, netting his second of the young season. Robert Smith scored at the 17:39 mark of the second period to bring the Wranglers within a goal, but the Komets would regain a two-goal lead a minute and a half later on a power play shot by Mickey Lang that would skitter through Wranglers goaltender Mitch O'Keefe for the game's final tally.

A scoreless third period was highlighted by a fight between Wranglers forward Greg Paukovich and Komets defenseman Simon Danis-Pepin as Las Vegas frustration built throughout the third period.

The same two teams face off at the Orleans Arena at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night for the second of a three-game homestand this weekend.

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