Condors stumble in the third period in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Steelheads (21-7-1-4, 47pts) used a four-goal third period to turn a one-goal game into a 7-2 pounding of the Bakersfield Condors (8-24-1-2, 19pts) Friday night at CenturyLink Arena. F Francis Verreault had a goal, an assist, and a fight in his debut with the Condors.

Bakersfield found themselves down by a pair of tallies less than eight minutes into the hockey game. D Matt Case (at 4:30 on the power play) and F Austin Fyten (at 7:30) staked the home team to a 2-0 lead, despite a fairly balanced opening period, beating G Scott Greenham. The two clubs each posted 12 shots in the period, which saw as many goals as 65 minutes of hockey did in their last meeting Wednesday night.

The Steelheads added to their lead at 6:36 of the second with a goal by D Jeremie Blain, but the Condors countered at 12:26 to get on the board. Newcomer Verreault, playing in his first game with the team after his acquisition on New Year’s Eve, helped set up F Peter Boyd for his seventh of the season. The Condors held a 17-11 shot advantage in the frame, but G Josh Robinson was solid in net, making the lead stand through 40 minutes.

Verreault pulled the Condors within striking distance with a goal of his own just 3:27 into the third to make it 3-2. But Idaho F Austin Smith potted two highlight-reel goals in the next seven minutes to break the game open. A pair of insurance goals padded the lead for Idaho. Verreault completed the “Gordie Howe hat trick” late in the third with a fight in the final minutes of the game.

Tonight’s box score: click here

Condors droppings:

F Max Campbell, D Kyle Haines and F Francis Verreault all made their Condors debut tonight… Steelheads G Josh Robinson now has just one regulation loss in 16 decisions this season (13-1-1-1)… Tonight’s game was the third of six straight head-to-head against Idaho for Bakersfield… Condors scratches: F Parker Stanfield, D Tyson Gimblett, F Jacob Lagace (inj.), D Ryan Annesley (inj.), F Brett Perlini (inj.), D Trevor Hendrikx (inj.)… Shots on goal: BAK – 37, IDH – 41… Power plays: BAK- 0/3, IDH – 1/2… Three Stars: #1 Smith (IDH), #2 Fyten (IDH), #3 Case (IDH).

Computer Tablet Giveaway and Maury Wills in the house
After wrapping up their two-game series in Idaho Saturday, the Condors return to home ice against Idaho next week with Computer Tablet Giveaway on Friday, Jan. 11, sponsored by KBAK Eyewitness News and 106.1 KRAB Radio. All fans will have the chance to win one of 20 Kindle Fire tablets we’ll give away.

Dodgers Night, presented by HOT 94.1, is Saturday, Jan. 12. Dodgers Great Maury Wills will sign autographs and pose for pics in the Photo Booth.

Fun 4-packs are on sale now and a perfect gift for the person in your life who likes to have a blast! Check out the plan to fit your needs by clicking here or calling 324-PUCK (7825).