Topeka, KS – The Odessa Jackalopes (20-11-2-1) overcame a three-goal deficit with a three-goal third to beat the Topeka RoadRunners (11-21-1-2) 5-4 in a shootout. The Jackalopes have now won four games in a row with two more to go this weekend in Topeka.
The Jackalopes got the first lead of the game for the first time in three weeks as a couple shots funneled towards the net. Topeka’s Sam Metcalf made a save, but as Peyton Frantti gets pushed by a RoadRunners from behind, Metcalf falls on his behind and Frantti nets it through the five-hole of Metcalf.
The RoadRunners wouldn’t let that last, as Dallas Tulik extended his point-streak to three straight games after sniping a goal past Brett Epp to tie the game at 1. The goal came with only 1:39 remaining in the first period.
Topeka came out guns a-blazing in the second period as the tallied two more in the first 5:35. It would Tulik who starts the rush this time for a two-on-one breakaway before the feed and tip-in goal from Zeke Zeier for the lead. 2:20 later, it would be Matt Barnes from the slot who snaps one past Epp for the two-goal lead.
The goal from Barnes prompted a goalie change for the Jackalopes as Alex Camarre took over, but still needed some offense from his teammates.
Odessa started the third period on a power play, but after killing it off, Topeka would get their fourth of the game as Chad Hillebrand nets his fourth goal of the season and a three-goal lead.
The Jackalopes fought their way back as they got their first power play goal in the last 18 attempts. Zac Herrmann passed one in front and it went off the stick of Topeka’s defender, Branden Rons, and in to cut the deficit in half.
From that point forward, it was Blake Bride who would net two more in the final seven minutes to tie the game up at four. A scoreless overtime brought about a six-person shootout, finally won by Ricky Carballo who flung one through the five-hole of Metcalf.
The Jackalopes and RoadRunners return to action tomorrow night in Topeka with puck drop at 7:15 pm.
If you can’t make it out to the games, make sure to catch all the action live on Classic Rock 102 and Hockeytv.com.
The 2017-2018 Odessa Jackalopes single game tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes’ ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or hop on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.
Also, be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter and Facebook (@LetsGoJacks), Instagram (odessajackalopes), and add us on Snapchat (odessajacks) all year long.
— ODESSA JACKALOPES —
