Armstrong sparks Oilers

By JOHN RITTENOURE World Correspondent - 11/4/2009


Behind the play of goaltender Kevin Armstrong, the Tulsa Oilers recorded their first shutout in almost two seasons with a 4-0 triumph over Allen (Texas) on Tuesday night before a crowd of 3,233 at the BOK Center.

Tulsa improved to 4-2 on the season, while the visiting Americans dropped to 4-1-1. It was Tulsa's first shutout since Feb. 14, 2008 when the Oilers beat Wichita 6-0.

"The guys worked hard for me," said Armstrong said of his shutout. "Right off the bat we were right on their tails and making plays all night. All that offense took them away from our end and gave me a breather most of the night. Any time you see a shutout it is always a team thing. Guys were blocking shots and digging pucks out of the crease.

"We know we had tough competition but we did not want to treat it any differently."

Armstrong was getting worried in the final period as fights and penalties took over. Allen had a couple of 5-on-3 power-play situations that could have ruined Armstrong's night. But the Oilers' goalie prevailed.

"It was exciting for the fans, but nerve wracking for me," Armstrong said.

Oilers coach Bruce Ramsay was pleased overall with his team's play.

"Let's give credit to our penalty kill," Ramsay said. "Our power play was less then to be desired, but overall it was a pretty solid effort by the guys. I thought Kevin Armstrong played like he is capable of playing. He made some good saves.

"It is a good home victory for us and we need to keep that pace up. When you don't allow any goals you have to be excited."

Rick Kozak scored Tulsa's first goal at 4:47 of the first period. Kozak took a pass from Aaron Davis and placed it in the net for his second goal of the season.

T.J. Caig and Rob Hisey followed Kozak with goals to put the Oilers up 3-0 after 20 minutes of play.

Tom Maldonado added to the advantage with his first goal of the season in the second period. Maldonado took a centering feed and scored the only goal of the period at 1:39 to put Tulsa up 4-0.

TULSA 4, ALLEN 0

Allen 0 0 0 — 0
Tulsa 3 1 0 — 4

FIRST PERIOD: 1, Tulsa, Kozak (Davis, Riddle) 2, 4:47. 2, Tulsa, Caig (Hisey) 2, 18:51. 3, Tulsa Hisey (Unassisted) 8, 19:48. Penalties: Allen, Hinz (Hooking), 2:27. Allen, Adams (Roughing), 6:42. Allen, Whelan (Tripping), 8:36. Tulsa, Butler (Interference), 12:53. Allen, Musitelli (Slashing), 15:33.

SECOND PERIOD: 4, Tulsa, Maldonado (Pilkington) 1, 1:39. Penalties: Tulsa, Kozak (Delay of game bench minor), 0:00. Allen, Wooddisse (Roughing), 1:00. Allen, Seerey (Hooking), 3:27.

THIRD PERIOD: Penalties: Tulsa, Caig (Holding), 3:33. Allen, Huculak (Too many men), 6:01. Tulsa, Standish (Delay of game), 8:15. Allen, Woodisse (Tripping), 9:21. Tulsa, Riddle (Slashing), 12:56. Allen, Bowers (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 13:06. Allen, Benn (Interference), 13:06. Tulsa, Caig (Interference), 13:28. Tulsa, Butler (Holding), 14:00. Allen, ONabigon (Fighting), 15:31. Tulsa, Linder (Fighting), 15:31. Tulsa, Merlini (Fighting major, game misconduct), 15:32. Allen, Huculak (Fighting major, game misconduct), 15:32. Tulsa, Butler (Interference), 16:31. Tulsa, Eastman (Fighting major), 16:54. Allen, Bowers (Fighting instigator, fighting major, game misconduct), 16:54. Tulsa, Eastman (Fighting major), 16:54.

Shots: Allen 13-6-13—32. Tulsa 15-10-7—32. Saves: Tulsa, Armstrong 13-6-13—32. Allen, Effinger 12-9-7—28.

Referee: Jon McIsaac. A: 3,233.



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Tulsa World Reader Comments
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shaw411, Scottsdale, AZ (11/4/2009 7:48:18 AM)
Nice job Oilers....keep it up!

BigOkie, (11/4/2009 10:48:41 AM)
Absolutely not the same team from the last two seasons. I don't know what to do with myself at the games now; I'm actually enjoying them!



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