Idaho clamps down in win over Bulls

San Francisco, CA (11/16/13) ? Josh Robinson stopped 30 shots and the Idaho Steelheads killed off the final seven power-play opportunities for the San Francisco Bulls Saturday night, helping propel Idaho to a 3-1 win in the Cow Palace.Idaho (6-4-2, 14 points) got goals from three different players, including Justin Mercier as he extended his goal streak to four consecutive games.San Francisco scored first on an early power play as Chris Crane redirected Damon Kipp's shot from the right point into the net at the 4:27 mark to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead. That lead held until midway through the second period. The Idaho penalty-killers killed off a 5-on-3 opportunity for San Francisco and, as Justin Mercier came out of the penalty box, he received a pass up the left-wing wall. He carried it into the left circle and snapped home his fifth of the season - all in the past four games - to tie the game, 1-1, at 10:39 of the second. The goal came as the second penalty expired, making it an even-strength goal.Moments later, Idaho went on the power play and took advantage as Mitch Wahl delivered a pass to Ryan Button at the center point. Button's blast on net was saved but William Rapuzzi was stationed at the top of the crease for the rebound goal at 11:54 of the second to put Idaho on top for good at 2-1. The Button assist extended his point streak to five consecutive games.The Steelheads attempted to play add-on in the third, but San Francisco's JP Anderson stonewalled Brett Robinson and Gaelan Patterson on tremendous scoring opportunities to keep the Bulls within a goal. Finally, at 16:05, Carl Sneep's blast from the center point got past Anderson to give Idaho a big insurance goal, extending the lead to 3-1.San Francisco would get a late power play, but the Steelheads were able to keep the puck in the neutral zone or offensive zone which kept the Bulls from pulling their goalie for an additional attacker as Idaho ran out the clock on the 3-1 win.Josh Robinson was steady in net all night, turning aside 30 of 31 shots for Idaho. Anderson took the loss, making 21 saves on 24 shots. Each team scored once on the power play, Idaho going 1-7 and San Francisco going 1-8.The Steelheads return home on Wednesday, November 20, to host the Utah Grizzlies at CenturyLink Arena. Tickets are available by calling the CenturyLink Arena box office at 208-331-8497.COORS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME - Ryan Button (1A) CENTURYLINK THREE STARS:1) William Rapuzzi (ID)2) Josh Robinson (ID)3) Chris Crane (SF)Group outings at a Steelheads game are a great way to gather friends, colleagues, or co-workers for a fun night out in downtown Boise. Ticket prices are discounted and you can get a Pepsi, Double-R Ranch Hot Dog, and bag of Tim?s Cascade Chips with each ticket. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.