The Peoria Rivermen only led when it mattered as their first lead of the game came in the shootout on their way to a 4-3 win over the Abbottsford Heat on Tuesday night at Carver Arena before 3,269 fans. Adam Cracknell tied the score with the net empty and only 47.2 seconds remaining after the Rivermen started the night down 2-0. Ben Walter scored twice in regulation for Abbotsford while goaltender Danny Taylor was peppered with 39 shots in the loss. Two fights occurred within five seconds of the first goal being scored. Chris Bruton and Judd Blackwater dropped the gloves at the 4:54 mark. Three seconds later Anthony Peluso had a lengthy round with Pierre-Luc Letoumeau-Leblond. With 47.2 seconds left the Rivermen, Cracknell’s 14th goal of the season sent the game to overtime. With the puck behind the net, Derek Nesbitt made a pass back to Cracknell at the right post who jammed in the equalizer. Click here for Game Box Score.
-Bob
