Bakersfield rallies past Idaho, 2-1

(Bakersfield, CA) - Guillaume Lefebvre's power-play goal midway through the third period proved to be the game-winner as Bakersfield rallied past Idaho Saturday night, 2-1, in front of 5,011 fans at the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. For the third time in a week, Idaho (29-22-12, 70 points) had a third-period lead but was not able to finish it off. Aki Seitsonen gave Idaho a 1-0 lead in the first period off an assist from Cody Purves. Purves carried the puck into the offensive zone, tapped the puck over to Seitsonen, and Seitsonen ripped a quick shot over the shoulder of Bakersfield's Brian Stewart to give the Steelheads the lead. Thanks to a series of nice saves by rookie goaltender Kris Westblom, Idaho made that lead hold up through two periods. Early in the third, however, Bakersfield (34-25-3, 71 points) tied it up when Bobby Robins tucked a rebound inside the post. Then, at 10:22 of the final frame, Lefebvre gave the Condors the lead when he was able to push the puck under the leg of Westblom. Idaho mounted some furious pressure in the final minutes, but Stewart found a way to keep the puck out of the net to secure the Condor victory. Mark Derlago did not score, ending a streak of five consecutive games where he had netted a tally. Stewart picked up his third win of the week over Idaho by stopping 25 of 26 Steelhead shots. Westblom, a rookie out of Acadia University, was solid in net for Idaho, turning aside 28 out of 30 Condor shots. Idaho came up empty on the power play (0/3) while Bakersfield converted one of five opportunities with the man advantage. Idaho travels to Stockton for thee games next weekend, taking on the Thunder on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. All three games will be carried live on KTIK (1350 AM). The Steelheads return home on Wednesday, March 23, to begin "Pink in the Rink" Week against the Ontario Reign. The Steelheads will wear specially-themed pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to raise money to fund the battle against breast cancer. The two teams play Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets are available at www.idahosteelheads.com or by calling 208.331.TIXS. COORS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME - Cody Purves AQUAFINA THREE STARS 1) Guillaume Lefebvre (BAK) 2) Bobby Robins (BAK) 3) Brian Stewart (BAK)