Wranglers Start Strong, Fall 7-3 to Roadrunners
Calgary controlled early momentum and struck first on the power play, but a fast-paced second period saw Tucson generate sustained offense and build separation in a high-event Pacific Division matchup at Scotiabank Saddledome.
CALGARY — The Calgary Wranglers opened strong Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome, taking an early lead before the Tucson Roadrunners used a decisive second-period surge to pull away for a 7-3 win.
Calgary grabbed a 1-0 lead late in the opening frame when Aydar Suniev converted on the power play, finishing a setup from Daniil Miromanov and Martin Frk. Tucson responded early in the second to tie the game 1-1 before taking a 2-1 lead, but Sam Morton answered midway through the period to even the score at 2-2. The goal extended Morton’s scoring streak to four games, giving him six points over his last five outings.
Momentum shifted quickly during a high-event middle frame as Tucson regained the lead and built separation, pushing the score to 5-2 before Daniil Miromanov brought Calgary back within two late in the period. Miromanov finished with a two-point night, recording a goal and an assist.
Tucson added two more goals in the third period to close out the scoring and seal the 7-3 result.
Hunter Brzustewicz and Matvei Gridin returned to the Wranglers lineup during the NHL Olympic break, with Brzustewicz recording an assist in his first game back with the club.
Arsenii Sergeev got the start for Calgary, stopping 18 of 23 shots before being replaced by Ivan Prosvetov, who turned aside two of four shots in relief.
The Wranglers will have a quick turnaround as the two teams meet again Saturday night at Scotiabank Saddledome in the final game before the All-Star break, giving Calgary an immediate opportunity to respond and close the homestand on a stronger note.
Tucson posts 5-2 win over Wranglers as Kerins ties franchise point streak record
Calgary got goals from Rory Kerins and Lucas Ciona, but Tucson pulled away as the Roadrunners earned a 5-2 win Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome.
CALGARY -- The Calgary Wranglers opened the scoring Friday night but ultimately fell 5-2 to the Tucson Roadrunners at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Rory Kerins gave Calgary an early lift, finishing a play set up by Dryden Hunt and William Stromgren. The goal extended Kerins’ point streak to 11 games, tying a Wranglers franchise record.
Lucas Ciona accounted for Calgary’s other goal, converting on a setup from Etienne Morin and Parker Bell as the Wranglers worked to stay within reach.
Tucson generated consistent offense throughout the game, finishing with a 43-20 edge in shots on goal. Owen Say faced heavy workload in net for Calgary, stopping 38 shots and posting a .884 save percentage.
Special teams played a role in the outcome, with Tucson going 2-for-6 on the power play while Calgary was held scoreless on four opportunities.
The Wranglers will have a chance to respond quickly as the two teams meet again Sunday afternoon. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:00 pm MT at the Scotiabank Saddledome.