Wranglers’ Lukacevic continues scoring tear

Ned Lukacevic, a fourth-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Kings in 2004, has had his share of success in parts of five seasons of professional hockey.

But the Wranglers left wing has never been on a hotter streak than he's on now.

Lukacevic, 23, scored two goals for the second straight game and added two assists to lead Las Vegas to a 5-1 victory over the Ontario (Calif.) Reign on Saturday before a crowd of 6,019 at the Orleans Arena.

Lukacevic also tied a franchise record by scoring in his fifth consecutive game, a feat first accomplished by Dustin Johner in the 2003-04 season.

The 6-foot, 200-pound Lukacevic has at least two points in his last four games, 11 in his last five and is tied with Adam Miller for the team lead with 30 points in 34 games.

"It's the biggest streak of my career, probably," said Lukacevic, who played most of last season for the American Hockey League's Providence Bruins. "It feels great. I've been sick the last couple of days, but honestly I can't feel it right now."

Lukacevic has been on a tear since being put on a line with Jeff Hazelwood and Miller five games ago. Hazelwood had two goals and an assist Saturday, giving him six points in his last five games, and Miller had an assist.

"Millsy, me and Hazy complement each other well," Lukacevic said.

The Wranglers (16-14-4), who have won seven of their last eight and are on a 10-game point streak (7-0-3), scored four goals in the third period, three in the first 3:47.

Lukacevic scored eight seconds into the third on a feed from Hazelwood to make it 2-0, then set up Hazelwood's goal at the 2:19 mark for a 3-0 lead.

Mick Lawrence scored a shorthanded goal at the 3:47 mark and Lukacevic made it 5-0 midway through the period.

Wranglers goalie Michael Ouzas stopped 41 of 42 shots.

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