Submitted. The Abbotsford Heat were defeated 1-0 by the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers) in the first of back-to-back games on Friday night at the Cox Convention Center.
Barry Brust and Yann Danis each carried shutouts into the final seven minutes of play, but Oklahoma City forward Toni Rajala scored the game-winning goal with 6:39 left in regulation. The Barons’ victory ends the Heat’s three-game winning streak and brings Oklahoma City closer to securing a playoff spot. It was the Barons’ first regulation victory over the Heat in three games this season.
After a scoreless opening 40 minutes, the only goal of the game came at 13:21 of the third period with Jonathan Cheechoo and Mark Arcobello drawing assists on Toni Rajala’s 16th goal of the season.
The Heat went on the power play with just 40 seconds remaining and an empty net behind them, but were unable to tie the game.
Barry Brust made 30 saves on 31 shots in the loss and was named the third star of the game. The Heat were outshot by the Barons 31-24.
The Heat did not score on three power play opportunities in the game, with two coming in the final 40 seconds of play. Abbotsford’s penalty kill erased both Oklahoma City man advantages.
The Heat conclude the 2012-13 regular season tomorrow night with another game against the Barons. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 PM PDT, and the pre-game show is set to begin at 4:45 PM PDT on TeamRadio.ca and TheAHL.com.
For more information call 1-877-452-HEAT(4328) or visit us online at www.AbbotsfordHeat.com.
Photo By: OKC Barons/Steven Christy