Texas Brahmas take 4-2 loss

Andy Franck, Blazers improve to 7-0-2

In his ninth consecutive start, Oklahoma Blazers goaltender Andy Franck was able to hold off the Texas Brahmas who lost 4-2 in the first of seven meetings between the two clubs this season. Oklahoma City remains unbeaten in regulation for the 2008-09 season.

The game began with fast, aggressive skating from both teams but after just two minutes of play, the momentum of the game was slowed for a glass repair. The Blazers scored first at the 12:35 mark when Kevin McLeod was stripped of the puck by Robin Gomez who took a shot that was stopped by Brett Jeager. But rookie right wing Simon Lambert was able to score on the rebound with an assist by Jason Murfitt. The Brahmas were outshot 14-8 in the period.

The second period was much tougher, physically for both teams. Several players went to the bench with minor injuries including Grant Jacobsen who took a puck to the face and Blazer Jason Seery who suffered a severe cut to his hand. The Blazers took a 2-0 lead on a powerplay opportunity when Oriel McHugh took a cross-ice feed from Jeff MacDermid to put it past Jaeger on the high-glove side at the 3:53 mark. Ted Vandermeer was also credited with the assist.

The Brahmas answered with a powerplay goal of their own at the 6:42 mark when Pete Rouleau tipped a bouncing puck in on the far side of the crease with an assist from defensemen Mike Vellinga and Kevin McLeod. The Brahmas played excellent team defense and the period ended with the Brahmas holding the Blazers to four shots to their ten, giving each team 18 after 40 minutes.

Brahmas defenseman Kevin Mcleod opened up scoring in the third period with an even-strength goal at the 7:16 mark with the assist from Pete Rouleau and Mike Vellinga. It was McLeod's first goal of the season. The 2-2 score held for exactly one minute when Simon Lambert drove the puck into an empty net after Brett Jaeger left the crease thinking the puck was going to round the boards; instead it took an odd bounce, setting up the deflection to give Oklahoma the 3-2 lead. Justin Kinnunen nearly tied it up again but his shot hit the post with 6:40 left to play. The Blazers sealed the win with another powerplay goal; this time by Jeff MacDermid with the assist from Ted Vandermeer and Stacey Bauman with just over three minutes left in the game.

The Blazers improved to 7-0-2 as does goaltender Andy Frank. The former Youngstown Steelhound is now first in the CHL with a 1.52 GAA and second with a .937 save percentage.

There were no skirmishes in tonight's game despite the physical play. Penalties were somewhat light; Texas was called for 12 minutes on 6 minors and Oklahoma City for 14 minutes on 7 minors. The Brahmas were one for seven on powerplay opportunities. They are third in the league with a 26.53 powerplay percentage.

Brahmas Pete Rouleau, Kevin McLeod and Mike Vellinga each had two points on the night. Brett Jaeger took the loss and is now 3-1-1 after 6 games played.

The Brahmas will return home to face the Odessa Jackalopes on Saturday night at the NYTEX Sports Centre.

You can view the box score here