Untimely Calls Cost Steelheads in 3-2 Loss to Oilers

TULSA, Okla. – The Idaho Steelheads (19-12-5) weren’t able to build enough momentum late in the game, falling 3-2 to the Tulsa Oilers (15-18-3) on Saturday night from the BOK Center.

After a scoreless opening period, scoring broke out in the second period starting at 5:44 of the second period. Oilers forward Adam Pleskach started a busy night of points with a tally to take the initial 1-0 lead. The Steelheads answered back 16 seconds later on a shot from the right circle from defenseman Colton Saucerman to push back even at 1-1. Steelheads captain A.J. White then gave the road side their first lead of the season series, 2-1, when opened in the slot on a setup between defenseman Jeff King and forward Zack Andrusiak at 10:41. Later in the frame, Oilers forward Jack Nevins poked in a centering pass in the paint at 4:45 to tie the game, 2-2, heading into the third period.

In the final frame, the Oilers found the difference on the power play with Pleskach wrapping a shot from the left circle at 7:14 to edge ahead, 3-2. A couple untimely penalties halted built momentum for the Steelheads, and the road side slipped in regulation.

Oilers goaltender Olle Eriksson Ek (4-8-1) stopped 38 of 40 shots in the win, while Steelheads netminder Colton Point (5-7-1) turned aside 24 of 27 shots in the loss.

The Steelheads and Oilers finish their three-game weekend on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 3:05 p.m. MT from the BOK Center. Coverage begins at 2:45 p.m. MT on 1350 KTIK-AM “The Ticket” & ECHL.tv.

The Steelheads return to CenturyLink Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7:10 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers. The Hockey Starter Pack provides the benefits of the ultimate fan on the time you want! Call the Steelheads Front Office at 208-383-0080 to inquire about getting your pack as well as planning your next outing with single-game tickets, flex plans and season tickets. Stay connected to the Steelheads on idahosteelheads.com or by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.