Third-period explosion lifts Idaho past Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA (3/15/14) – Jason Bast scored a goal and added two assists in the third period as the Idaho Steelheads erupted for four, third-period goals to knock off the Bakersfield Condors, 4-2, on Saturday night at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield.

Kevin Kapalka turned aside 25 of 27 shots in his professional debut for Idaho (32-23-7) to earn the win.

There was only one goal scored over the game's first two periods - a Michael Neal power-play goal at 15:38 of the first period for Bakersfield - which set the stage for a wild third period.

The Condors maintained that slim, one-goal lead over the first seven minutes of the period before Erik Burgdoerfer was whistled for a double-minor penalty and a game-misconduct, putting Idaho on a four-minute power play and ending his night.  The Steelheads would make it count, too, as Charlie Dodero tied the game at 8:25 with a blast from the center point through traffic, his fourth of the season, to make it 1-1.  On the second half of the double-minor, Justin Mercier jabbed home William Rapuzzi's centering feed at 9:18 to give Idaho the lead at 2-1.

An important insurance goal came three minutes later when Bast carried the puck up the right-wing circle when he snapped a wrist shot over Laurent Brossoit's glove at 12:32 of the third, Bast's second goal in as many nights, to make it 3-1.

The Condors cut into Idaho's lead just over a minute later at 13:46 when Chris Collins banked a puck off the skate of Kapalka into the net on the power play, making it 3-2.

With just over one minute left and Bakersfield on the power play, the Condors took a timeout to set up a de-facto 6-on-4 power play by pulling Brossoit from the net for an offensive zone draw.  Gaelan Patterson won a battle to get the puck out to neutral, drawing a penalty as the Condors scrambled to prevent an empty-net goal.  Seconds later, off the ensuing draw, David deKastrozza blasted a shot from the right-wing half wall past Brossoit for his 12th of the season that sent the fans heading for the exits.

Kapalka picked up the win in his pro debut while Brossoit took the loss, allowing four goals on 29 shots.  Idaho's power play converted two of six chances while Bakersfield was two for five.  It was Bakersfield's first loss this season when leading after two periods.

Idaho wraps up its four-game, five-night road trip on Sunday at Ontario with a 7 PM (Mtn) puck drop against the Reign.  Fans can listen to the game back in the Treasure Valley on KTIK (1350 AM).

The Steelheads return home on Wednesday, March 19, to host the Colorado Eagles.  Tickets are available by calling the CenturyLink Arena box office at 208-331-8497.

COORS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME –  Jason Bast (G, 2A)

CENTURYLINK THREE STARS:1)   Jason Bast (ID)2)   Michael Neal (BAK)3)   Charlie Dodero (ID)

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.