Verreault’s point streak hits 11 games in Condors 3-2 loss to Wheeling

WHEELING, W. Va. – The Bakersfield Condors (12-28-2-2, 28pts) could not duplicate Monday’s magic with a late game-tying goal and fell by a 3-2 margin to the Wheeling Nailers (19-14-3-5, 46pts) on Friday night at WesBanco Arena.

After the Condors were foiled on multiple shorthanded opportunities, Wheeling struck first when D Zach Hansen’s shot off a faceoff found the back of the net at 4:52 of the first period. Bakersfield received a five-minute major power play minutes later after D Scott Enders was cross-checked from behind, but could not convert. The Nailers extended their lead to 2-0 when F Matt Germain crept in over the blue line and beat Condors G Scott Greenham from the slot at the 16:14 mark. Bakersfield was outshot 12-10.

The Condors registered the lone goal of the second period as C Peter Boyd wrist shot slipped through Nailers G Scott Darling on the power play at 10:34 to cut the lead to 2-1. RW Francis Verreault and D Trevor Hendrikx had the assists. Wheeling outshot the Condors 13-10.

F Christiaan Minella added a needed insurance goal at the 10:26 mark of the third period on an odd-man rush to extend the lead to 3-1. It was needed, because the Condors cut the lead to 3-2 when C Nicholas Tremblay snuck one through Darling with just under four minutes remaining in the frame. Bakersfield pulled Greenham with 1:30 left in regulation, but could not equalize and fell 3-2.

Tonight’s box score: click here.

Condors droppings:

Tonight was the first of three games-in-three nights against Eastern Conference foes. The Condors are in Toledo on Saturday and Kalamazoo on Sunday afternoon… This was the second meeting all-time between the two sides, the last coming on Feb. 18, 2005, a 4-2 Condors loss in Bakersfield… C Nicholas Tremblay’s goal was his sixth in eight games with the Condors… RW Scott Freeman made his 2012-13 Condors debut and had an assist… Extending point streaks tonight: F Francis Verreault, 11 games (4g-9a) and C Peter Boyd (4g-3a), six games… Condors scratches: D Dale Warkentin, F Nick Prockow, F Parker Stanfield, D Ryan Annesley (inj.) Shots on goal: BAK – 30 , WHL – 35 Power plays: BAK- 1/3 , WHL – 0/2 … Three stars: 1. Hansen (WHL), 2. Germain (WHL), 3. Farrer (WHL)

Youth Jerseys and Cowboy Hats up next
The Condors road trip continues on Saturday in Toledo. They play the next three on the road, and return home to host Colorado on Feb. 1 with Youth Jersey Giveaway Night, sponsored by KGET-TV 17, Hot Hits 93.1 and Rabobank. The first 2,000 kids 12 and under will get a Condors youth jersey featuring Alternate Captain Peter Boyd.

On Saturday, Feb. 2 they play Ontario again on Cowboy Hat Giveaway Night, sponsored by the Emporium Western Store. The first 2,000 fans 5 and older will get their choice between and tan or black Condors cowboy hat (while supplies last).

Fun 4-packs are on sale now and if you purchase two 4-packs, you get a free Condors Snuggie! Check out the plan to fit your schedule and budget by clicking here or calling 324-PUCK (7825).