Wranglers’ comeback rewarded in shootout

Trailing conference-leading Idaho 4-0 after two periods, the last-place Wranglers appeared doomed to another disheartening defeat Thursday night.

But Las Vegas showed admirable resolve at a pivotal moment in its season, rallying for four goals to tie the Steelheads and winning 5-4 on Ned Lukacevic's goal in the final round of a shootout.

The teams meet again at the Orleans Arena tonight and Saturday, and the Wranglers couldn't have won the series opener in a more inspirational fashion.

"It's the biggest two points thus far this year," said Lukacevic, who also scored in regulation and had two assists. "We went into it like a playoff game but came out flat like it was an exhibition game almost. But it was unbelievable for the guys to come together like that in the third period and pull out a win."

Andrew Orpik scored in the second round of the shootout, but Idaho's Kevin DeVergilio answered to make it 1-1. Jerry Pollastrone gave the Wranglers a 2-1 lead in the third round, setting the stage for Lukacevic, who waited until the last second before lifting the puck over Idaho goalie Richard Bachman.

"That's my move. I've been practicing that for a year, every day," said Lukacevic, who leads Las Vegas with 43 points. "I did it last year twice in a shootout and it worked, and I did it twice this year and it worked. But I can't do it on our goalies (in practice). They stop it every time."

Orpik scored 29 seconds into the third to trigger the Wranglers' rally, and his goal on a two-man advantage tied the game at 4-all with 1:54 remaining. He scored from the far edge of the left circle for Las Vegas' first power-play goal in six games, spanning 24 chances.

"I just tried to put it on net for a rebound and somehow it found its way in," Orpik said. "It shows how well we can play. When we do play well, we can beat the No. 1 team in our conference."

Adam Miller scored midway through the third, and Lukacevic buried a rebound with 6:16 remaining to lift the Wranglers (19-22-4) to within 4-3.

Mark McCutcheon scored on a power play for Idaho (30-11-3) in the first period, and Tyler Spurgeon made it 4-0 with a natural hat trick in the second. He scored with a two-man advantage, with a man advantage and at even strength.

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or at 702-383-0354.