Wranglers keep season alive, force Game 5

With their season on the line Saturday night in Boise, Idaho, the Wranglers made an emphatic statement that they're not ready for the offseason.

Blair Riley scored 17 seconds into the game, and Las Vegas never looked back in a wire-to-wire 5-1 victory over the Steelheads at Qwest Arena that tied their best-of-5 ECHL Western Conference quarterfinal series at two games apiece.

The teams will meet in a winner-take-all Game 5 at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday at Orleans Arena.

"We're far from being done," coach Ryan Mougenel said. "Our guys definitely responded the right way. It shows the leadership in the (locker) room. They work hard for each other."

Tyler Mosienko scored twice and Chris Higgins and Craig Switzer also scored for Las Vegas, which finally broke through against Idaho rookie goalie Jerry Kuhn. He gave up five goals on 21 shots Saturday after allowing only four on 123 shots in the first three games.

"It's not like we weren't getting chances," Mougenel said. "(Kuhn) played extremely well against us in those games."

Michael Ouzas turned away 29 of 30 shots for the Wranglers, who held Idaho scoreless on five power plays. Marty Flichel scored for the Steelheads at 12:22 of the third period to spoil the shutout.

"Ouzas was spectacular," Mougenel said.

Las Vegas scored with a man advantage for the first time in the series, converting 2 of 4 power plays.

Riley, who also had an assist, scored off a centering pass from behind the net from Blake Gallagher to stun the Steelheads in the opening seconds.

Mosienko scored at 6:21 of the second period, then on a power play less than five minutes later to make the score 3-0.

Higgins drove hard to the net for a goal midway through the third, and Switzer scored on a power play with 1:38 left.

Ryan Huddy and Aaron Power had two assists apiece for the Wranglers.

"We got ourselves where we want to be," Mougenel said. "Now it's just about execution."