The Abbotsford Heat were defeated 7-3 by the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers) in their final game of the season on Saturday night at the Cox Convention Center.
The Barons scored three power play goals in the second period to break up a 1-1 tie, and scored three more at even strength in the third period to secure a playoff spot and hand the Heat a second consecutive loss. Veteran forwards Ben Walter and Krys Kolanos each recorded a goal and an assist in the loss.
Oklahoma City scored first at 9:30 of the opening period with an even strength goal and led the game 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.
The Heat tied the game at 7:11 of the second period as Carter Bancks scored in his first game back from injury. Bancks, who missed the previous eight games was set up by Mike Matczak and Akim Aliu on his fifth goal of the season.
The Barons scored three consecutive power play goals in the second period, including two five-on-three goals in the final 30 seconds of the frame, to lead 4-1 after 40 minutes of play.
Ben Walter and Krys Kolanos scored in the third period at even strength, but the Barons scored three of their own to beat the Heat for the third time this season. Walter finishes the season with a team-leading 49 points in 67 games played, while Kolanos is the Heat’s goal scoring leader for the second consecutive season with 18 tallies in 53 games.
In his first start since March 8th, Leland Irving stopped 30 shots in the loss as the Heat were outshot 37-24 by the Barons.
The Heat did not score on two power play opportunities, while the penalty kill allowed three goals on four Barons power plays.
For more information on the Heat, please call 1-877-452-HEAT (4328) or visit us online at www.AbbotsfordHeat.com.
Photo Credit: OKC Barons / Steven Christy