El Paso, TX – The Amarillo Wranglers defeated the El Paso Rhinos in overtime on Saturday by the final score of 3-2. Roman Zap scored with 22 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and in overtime to complete the improbable comeback.
The Wranglers and Rhinos met for the second game of a two-game set and the second meeting of the season at El Paso County Events Center. Both goaltenders that started Friday’s game got the start again tonight, as the Wranglers went with Connor McDonough in goal while the Rhinos went with Kael DePape. McDonough has been amazing for the Wranglers this season, posting a record of 10-5-2 on the season, a 2.35 GAA, and a .907 save percentage entering the matchup.
The Wranglers opened the scoring 11:12 into the first period when Grayson Gerhard fired a laser shot past DePape after McNaughton won an offensive zone draw. Gerhard’s goal was his first goal in the NAHL and gave Amarillo a 1-0 lead. The Wranglers held the 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission. Both teams went 0/1 on the power play in the first period.
In the second period, the Rhinos scored two unanswered goals to take a 2-1 lead into the second intermission. El Paso got goals from AJ Reed and Tory Lund at the 4:38 and 14:52 marks of the second period. The second frame also featured two separate scrums, one of which saw two fights occur at the same time, after the whistle causing lengthy delays as the officials sorted out the penalties. After two periods the Rhinos led 2-1.
With time winding down in the third period, the Wranglers desperately needed a goal to keep their hopes of winning alive. With under two minutes to play the Wranglers pulled the goalie for the extra attacker and got to work in the offensive zone. Gagnon found Zap at the blue line for a one-timer that found the back of the net to the game 2-2 with just 22 seconds on the clock.
The Wranglers’ magical comeback was completed in overtime when Roman Zap stashed home his second of the game to win it for Amarillo 3-2 in overtime. The Wranglers improved to 5-3 in overtime and 11-2-3 in games decided by one or two goals.
The Wranglers leave El Paso picking up 3 out of 4 available points against the Rhinos, and will quickly turn their attention to the Odessa Jackalopes with a matchup in Odessa on Sunday afternoon. Puck drop will be at 3:15 CST. You can watch on NATV or listen on YouTube.