Gutsy Condors earn point in 5-4 shootout loss to Wranglers

LAS VEGAS – Two goals from F Greg Burgdoerfer and three assists from F Brett Perlini helped the Bakersfield Condors (22-43-2-4, 50pts) earn a point in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Las Vegas Wranglers (37-30-2-3, 79pts) on Friday night at Orleans Arena.

Las Vegas took the game’s opening faceoff and F Scott Pitt walked in uncontested, but Condors G Scott Greenham denied the opportunity. Bakersfield turned the tide with quality scoring chances, but Wranglers G Joe Fallon stopped nine shots in the period. Greenham answered with seven as the first period went scoreless.

A wild second period featured five goals with the Wranglers striking first at the 1:38 mark from F Eric Lampe to make it 1-0. Soon after, the Condors found themselves shorthanded, but not without offense. Burgdoerfer scored his first professional goal at 11:26 right off a faceoff in the attacking zone to tie it at 1-1. Just 39 seconds later, D Chris Haltigin took a drop pass from Perlini in the slot and scored shorthanded to put the Condors in front, 2-1. Bakersfield extended the lead to 3-1 at 13:24 when F Brett Lyon’s shot from the slot beat Fallon. Perlini assisted on all three tallies. Las Vegas cut the lead to 3-2 at 13:56 when F Scott Pitt’s shot on the power play snuck through Greenham. Shots favored Bakersfield, 15-13.

The Wranglers quickly tied the contest at 1:17 into the third period when F Judd Blackwater banked a shot from behind-the-net off Greenham and in, knotting the game at 3-3. Despite the adversity, the Condors responded right away as Burgdoerfer backhanded his second of the night under the crossbar 31 seconds later to make it 4-3. Las Vegas equalized once again though at 11:08 when F Sean Wiles tipped a shot under Greenham. Perlini had an opportunity on a penalty shot at 18:04 but he was denied by Fallon and the game headed to overtime.

After an entertaining, but scoreless overtime, the teams headed to a shootout where F Andrew Sarauer’s goal in the second round proved to be the difference as the Condors were held off the board.

View the scoresheet

Condors Droppings:
D Erik Burgdoerfer played in his 200th game as a Condor tonight. He is only the fifth Condors d-man to reach that milestone joining Glen Mears, Quinn Fair, Scott Balan, and Kevin Truelson… F Brett Lyon became the first Condor since Erick Lizon in 2009-10 to reach the 200 penalty minute plateau… F Brett Perlini’s three assists were a career-high… The Condors are now 8-4 in shootouts this season. Greenham is 5-1 personally, stopping 29 of 31 shots…Condors scratches: D T.J. Fast, F Scott Freeman, D Deron Cousens, D Ryan Annesley, F Shawn Skelly… Shots: BAK: 32, LV – 39 ; Power Plays: BAK: 0/1 , LV – 2/5 Three stars: 1. Lampe (LV), 2. Francis (LV), 3. Perlini (BAK)

Pre-game jersey auction wraps up on Saturday
The Condors will conclude the auction of the team’s pre-game jerseys on Saturday, Mar. 30. Several will be auctioned off live during the game, and the rest will be in a silent auction throughout the night. The auction benefits the Active 20/30 Club.

SPONGEBOB in town for season finale on Saturday

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants, that’s who! And he’s coming to Condorstown on Saturday. March 30th as the Condors close out the season against the San Francisco Bulls. Come check out all the nautical nonsense and get your picture taken with the absorbent fella in the Condors photo booth! The night is presented by 101.5 KGFM.

Tune in to all the action on Fox Sports Radio 970 AM,www.foxsports970am.com or on America One. “Condors Countdown” starts 15 minutes before the drop of the puck.

RENEWAL DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!
Renew your season tickets by Sunday, March 31st and take advantage of great benefits, such as the exclusive season ticket holder gifts! Jerseys, jackets and more are available! Call the Condors at 324-PUCK (7825) and speak with your ticket representative, or visit the ST renewal page on the website.