ROCHESTER STUNS IOWA IN OT FOR 3-2 WIN
Feb 19, 2014ROCHESTER STUNS IOWA IN OT FOR 3-2 WIN
Haula Scores Twice in Overtime Loss
Rochester, NY – The Iowa Wild (21-19-6-4, 52 points) were defeated by the Rochester Americans (26-18-3-3, 58 points) 3-2 in overtime in front of 3,774 fans at Blue Cross Arena on Wednesday night. Rochester forward Phil Varone snapped a wrist shot past Iowa goalie John Curry with 1:09 remaining in overtime, giving the Americans their second straight OT win at home. The Wild led 2-1 in the third period until Rochester’s Johan Larsson scored with 8:56 left in regulation, tying the game 2-2 and forcing the eventual overtime. Iowa rookie forward Erik Haula scored twice, as his club saw its winless skid hit three games (0-2-1-0). Americans goalie Nathan Lieuwan (13-7-1) stopped 18 Iowa shots for the victory. Wild goalie John Curry (6-4-2) made 31 saves on 34 shots, as Iowa slipped to 11-6-3-3 on the road this season. Iowa plays in Cleveland at 6:30 p.m. (CT) on Friday and at 6 p.m. (CT) on Saturday with a visit to the Lake Erie Monsters.
The Wild struck for the game’s opening goal, scoring prior to the end of the first period at 19:51. Forwards Zack Phillips and Raphael Bussieres worked the puck deep in the Rochester zone. From behind the Americans net, Bussieres connected with Erik Haula in the slot. The Iowa rookie buried his team leading 13th goal of the year for the 1-0 lead. He snapped a wrist shot over the shoulder of goalie Nathan Lieuwan.
Rochester pulled even with the only goal of the second period. Americans forward Phil Varone picked off the puck in the Wild zone and slipped a cross-crease pass from the left-wing side. Varone found Jamie Tardif for the one-timer past goalie John Curry. Tardif’s 16th goal of the year made it a 1-1 game at 17:32 of the middle frame.
Iowa regained the lead at 8:56 of the third period. Veteran forward Stephane Veilleux attempted a wraparound deep in the Rochester zone. Lieuwan made the initial save but lost the rebound in the crease. Haula swept in and jammed the rebound into the net for his second goal of the night. Defenseman Steven Kampfer added an assist on Haula’s 14th goal of the season for the 2-1 Iowa lead. Rochester used its power play to even the scoring at 15:56 of the final frame. Forward Johan Larsson stuffed in a rebound for his ninth goal of the year. Right wing Joel Armia and forward Kevin Porter each picked up an assist on the game-tying goal.
With just over a minute remaining in overtime, the Americans transitioned the puck down the ice into the Iowa zone. Larsson found Varone on the left-wing side and he snapped a wrist shot past Curry at 3:51 of overtime, lifting the Americans past the Wild. Defenseman Matt MacKenzie added an assist on Varone’s 11th goal of the season and the 3-2 final.
The Wild continues a three-game road trip with a pair of games at Lake Erie, Friday at 6:30 p.m. (CT) and Saturday at 6 p.m. (CT). Iowa returns home on Tuesday, Feb. 25 for a 5:35 p.m. faceoff with Rockford. The game is a $2 Tuesday, where fans can purchase any level ticket with a $2 discount. 200 Level seats will be available for $2 to the first 200 fans to purchase upper level seats. Patrons will also be able to purchase $2 sodas, $2 popcorns, and $2 10-ounce domestic drafts (21 and older) – through the first period of play. Also, select merchandise items will be available for only $2. The team then hosts the Rochester Americans at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Fans may purchase single game tickets multiple ways, either through the team's website – www.Iowawild.com, Wells Fargo Arena box office or Dahl's Ticketing. Tickets are available online at www.iowawild.com under the single game tickets tab. Fans may also purchase tickets by calling 1-866-55-DAHLS (32457) or by visiting one of 13 Dahl's Food Stores locations in the greater Des Moines area, and in Ames. In order to purchase group tickets (10 or more), please call the Iowa Wild ticketing department at 515-564-8700. Fans interested in buying full season, or smaller season packages may call the Iowa Wild front office at 515-564-8700.
The Iowa Wild regular season is presented by Mercy Medical Center. Season tickets to see the Wild play at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $9 per game. For more information on tickets, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com.
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