Last night the Jacks took on the IceRays for game two of their 3-in-3 series. Odessa won game one by a score of 6-3. Keeping them in third place and the IceRays dropped down to sixth. The Jacks were looking to win two games in a row for the first time since January 22-28. The only time Corpus Christi has lost back-to-back games in 2022 was when they were swept by Shreveport on January 14-15.
The Jacks jumped out to an early start as Nick Ahern (6) scored 1:05 into the opening period. His goal would be the only one of the period. The Jacks were able to get ten shots onto Stefan Carney, who was pulled in the first period in game one after allowing three goals on eight shots. Corpus Christi produced seven shots on Alex Proctor.
Odessa put up their most shots in a period during the middle frame. They were able to get the frozen rubber onto Carney, 14 times. With one of those shots reaching the back of the net. Rylan Yates (9) was handling the puck behind Carney’s net and decided to go for a wrap-around. His goal made it 2-0 Jacks. Although, two minutes later, Blake Lewis (6) tipped a pass from Casper Gillberg into the back of the net. His goal came while on the power play, making all four goals the IceRays have scored in this 3-in-3 series special teams’ goals. They had two power-play goals and one shorthanded goal on Thursday. The Jacks went into the second-period intermission leading, 2-1, and outshooting the IceRays, 24-23.
The pace and physical play picked up throughout the third period but only resulted in one power play. Which went in favor of Odessa and unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on it. The IceRays continued to pressure the Jacks but were met with a multitude of blocked shots and great defense. Corpus Christi pulled Carney in the final minute of regulation. Even with the extra attacker, the IceRays were unable to score. The Jacks however would, as Tanyon Bajzer (11) scored an empty-net goal with seven seconds left in the game. The Jacks picked up their 24th win of the season with the 3-1 victory over the IceRays. Corpus Christi outshot Odessa, 33-32. The Jacks finished 0/1 on the power play and the IceRays went 1/2.
The Jacks have won two of the three which is their most wins in any of their 3-in-3 series this season. Tonight, they look to do something they have not done since November 9-11, 2018, that is win all three games of a 3-in-3 series. The last time they swept the IceRays was on March 2-3, 2018. The last time the Jacks swept an opponent was December 10-11, 2021 (New Mexico Ice Wolves). Tonight, not only marks the end of five in a row between these two teams but also the season series. Odessa is 4-2-1 against Corpus Christi this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 pm CDT.
Photo credit: Danne Braden
