Wranglers edge Ontario, 2-1

Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 | 1 a.m.

ONTARIO, Calif. -- The Las Vegas Wranglers' first road trip of the season could not have ended much better.

After edging the Ontario Reign on Friday night, the Wranglers returned to Citizens Business Bank Arena Sunday to pull out a 3-2 victory in front of 4,767 fans.

"I think our biggest goal is to play consistent hockey," said Wranglers center Chris Neiszner. "You have to start somewhere, and maybe going on the road and getting in the hotel with all the guys helped us out. I think we played two really solid games this weekend."

Both Las Vegas and Ontario struggled to muster up any offensive pressure for the first two scoreless periods.

But the fireworks started in the final period as Robbie Bina buried a feed from Ned Lukacevic on the power play just 5:02 into the third for a 1-0 lead.

Ontario answered back four minutes later, though, as David Walker notched a shorthanded goal to tie the game 1-1 at the 9:20 mark.

The Wranglers' power play went 1-for-8 on the night, but they held the Reign scoreless on six power play chances.

"Our back end was phenomenal tonight, including Michael Ouzas, who gives us an ability to win every night," said Wranglers head coach and general manager Ryan Mougenel.

Las Vegas took control of the game just 69 seconds after Walker's goal, thanks to a heads-up play by Neiszner to poke in a loose puck past Ontario goalie Mike Zacharias for the 2-1 advantage.

Neiszner's goal, his first of the season, proved to be the difference as the Wranglers improve to 4-3.

"The more I watch (Neiszner) the more I love his game," Mougenel said. "I think he is definitely somebody the American League should be well aware of. I know he can succeed at the next level. We just have to get him an opportunity there … He's a special kid and the heartbeat of this team. He's a real special player for us."

Ouzas, who made 17 saves Sunday, is now 4-0 in his last four starts and 4-1 overall.

Stars of the game: 1. Chris Neiszner (1 goal); 2. David Walker (1 goal); 3. Robbie Bina (1 goal)

Roster report: Mougenel confirmed Sunday that he expects forward Kyle Hagel and defenseman Mike Madill to return to the lineup this week. Hagel missed this weekend's slate of games with a shoulder injury and Madill is finally done rehabbing after off season knee surgery.

Next up: The Wranglers host the Bakersfield Condors on Thursday night at the Orleans Arena for LasVegasWeekly.com's $1 beer night.

Final word: "It's four points, but I think more importantly it's the belief in when we can have success, when we do things the right way," Mougenel said. "As cheesy as it is, the guys are seeing the fruits of their labor. Even though we had a big win the other night, we spent a lot of time watching video and I thought the guys really bought in."

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

Discussion: 13 comments so far…

By winthorpe

11/2/09 at 2:53 a.m.

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Sounded like another solid effort. The team really struggled on the road last year which prevented any extended winning streaks. If the team is a tight knit group, that should go a long way for them with the talent pool they have. Looking forward to having Hagel and Madill back as well.

Another stellar performance on the mic Steve and as you can tell from your phone blowing up with texts that your following is gaining momentum. You have clearly won the coverage wars when it comes to reporting on this team.

See you Thursday.
By vegas_baby_vegas

11/2/09 at 7:05 a.m.

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It looks like the team is continuing to gel and grow... I am looking forward to this week's games they should be exiting. I think with Madill and Hagel back they should look even better.
By LPN4LIFE

11/2/09 at 9:59 a.m.

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I have yet to hear Steve do a broadcast, but I am a devout follower of his articles. I look forward to listening to the next away game. It sounds as though the defense was back in place. Not quite sure what happened with the lopsided Utah lose, I wasn't at the game, but it sounded like a break down in defense.
I hope Giestedt gets another chance to show what he is made of.
It will good to have Mike Madill back in the lineup, Hagel too.
See you at the Thursday game.
By lvshooter

11/2/09 at 11:03 a.m.

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Congrats to the Wranglers for pulling out 4 pts over the weekend. Having Madill back will be tremendous! See you all Thursday night!
By SteveSilver (Staff)

11/2/09 at 12:57 p.m.

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Thanks everyone. Yes, I think Neiszner said it best. Perhaps a road trip is just the thing to force this team to come together and play together.

Also, LPN4LIFE, without a doubt having Ouzas in net makes a huge difference. I know Gistedt is a top prospect in the Phoenix organization, but he needs some major work on his game.
By DMoney

11/2/09 at 1:58 p.m.

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It's encouraging to see a young team pull out a victory early in the season in a close game on the road. Hopefully Sunday's effort will build confidence going into the upcoming weekend.

Is Steve Silver the new "King of All Media"? Thing about it: print, radio, television, internet...the man is everywhere!
By SteveSilver (Staff)

11/2/09 at 2:38 p.m.

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Thanks DMoney. I like that title. I want to put it on my byline now. Just do me a favor and spread the word. I think this city is finally realizing that Lasvegassun.com is the best sports site around.

Now if only my mind, stomach and back can withstand doing eight jobs while traveling with the Wranglers... then I'll really be the king.
By LPN4LIFE

11/2/09 at 3:54 p.m.

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No doubt Gistedt need some work, okay, he does need some major work on his game. After all he lost 2 lopsided game to the same team. That is not a good thing.
As far as getting your mind, stomach and back to cooperate Steve, you need a massage therapist, I happen to know a few.
But, keep up the great work you are doing on all fronts, especially here and the intermissions at the games.
By BlackCat

11/2/09 at 4:05 p.m.

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Steve: I hope you managed to dress as Josh Fisher for Halloween. You certainly had all the accessories (including the taped business cards on your equipment bag.) I sorry to say I missed your broadcast Sunday as my wife had her family over for dinner, and there was no escaping that one. That said, I'm sure you did just fine. Please stop by and say "Hi" Thursday before the game - and keep the Wrangler information flowing to your readership!!
By Brawler_Woodsy

11/2/09 at 4:08 p.m.

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You just need to keep repeating to yourself 'Road trips are fun' 'Road trips are fun'. Well that's at least what I kept telling myself on the way back from Ontario last night. Gotta say not so much fun by yourself though.
By HWSPORTS

11/2/09 at 5:50 p.m.

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BRAWLER- THEY ARE FUN FOR SILV, HE GETS TO RIDE ON THE ROCKSTAR BUS...LOL

SILVER- ID LOVE TO SIT IN WITH YOU ON THE ROAD SOMETIME...MAYBE THE BAKO TRIP AT THE END OF THE MONTH

THIS BOARD IS AWESOME......LISTEN IN TO HEATWAVE SPORTS ON FOXSPORTS RADIO 920AM EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT FOR YOUR WEEKLY RECAP OF WRANGLERS ACTION....IM HOPING TO HAVE THE GREAT STEVE SILVER ON THIS SUNDAY...LOL
By SteveSilver (Staff)

11/2/09 at 6:08 p.m.

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They are fun for now...I'll update you in April.

HW, contact me off of the board to set up a time on Sunday.
By TheDuke

11/3/09 at 7:10 a.m.

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Morning Steve. Just a quick shameless plug... Watch for Wranglers coverage Wed. morning on the local news & don't forget to bring your food donations to Friday's game! See you all then.

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