Wranglers return home with decimated record and roster

Justin M. Bowen

Las Vegas Wranglers’ Mike Madill hits the ice to stop a breakaway in this file photo. Madill and the rest of the Wranglers hope to regain their footing after a 1-6-3 road trip in a five-game home stand at the Orleans Arena this weekend.

By Steve Silver (contact)

Thursday, March 12, 2009 | 8 p.m.

Every minor league athlete in any sport hopes to work his way through the ranks to the professional level.

The Las Vegas Wranglers are no different as ECHL players yearn for a call-up to the American Hockey League and AHL competitors can almost taste the glory of the NHL.

But with 11 Wranglers currently in the AHL, a void of talent and warm bodies to take the ice have left Las Vegas' roster and playoff hopes in peril as the Wranglers return home from a tumultuous road trip to host the Idaho Steelheads (36-18-4) on Friday and Saturday nights at the Orleans Arena.

The Wranglers, who had just 13 skaters and one goalie on their official roster Thursday, went 1-6-3 on their 10-game road trip and have not won a game since Feb. 11.

"I think we just need to get a couple of more bodies in here and play the same way we have been," Wranglers coach and general manager Glen Gulutzan said. "We've played well enough on the road to win, we just haven't had enough gas at the end or we make a mistake because we are tired."

With only 12 games remaining in the season, including nine at home, the Wranglers (27-26-8) know they have to find a way to win shorthanded in order to secure a playoff spot.

Eight of the nine teams in the National Conference will advance to the postseason, but Las Vegas is currently in sixth place. The playoff seeding is based on win percentage, not total points. The Wranglers and the Utah Grizzlies both have .508 win percentages. Stockton (.500), Bakersfield (.476) and Phoenix (.474) are not far behind though.

"At this level there is always trouble with players moving up," said Wranglers defenseman Mike Madill. "We would never be upset at somebody moving up because everyone wants a chance to play at the highest level. That's how every team is in this league. You just have to do what you can and battle through."

In addition to AHL call-ups, the Wranglers have also dealt with a slew of injuries this season including the recent losses of defenseman Brandon Straub as well as forwards Mick Lawrence and Shawn Limpright. ECHL All-Star center Justin Taylor should also rejoin the Wranglers in time for Friday's game after the Chicago Wolves of the AHL released him Thursday.

Lawrence and Limpright practiced Thursday and could return to game action this weekend. The Wranglers will most likely also resign free agent forwards Ray Leroux and Micah Sanford for the Idaho series.

"We've played some good games, even though we haven't gotten the points to show for it, but I really think things will come together here at home," said defenseman Steve Makway, who has to sit out Friday's contest due to a suspension for fighting in Sunday's 2-0 loss to Alaska.

Aside from the obvious benefits to playing five consecutive games at home, the Wranglers also hope to capitalize on upcoming college graduations to stock their roster.

"College is ending so there will be a few other players available after this weekend," Gulutzan said. "We are definitely going to pick up some guys to help us."

Steve Silver can be reached at 948-7822 or steve.silver@lasvegassun.com.