The IceRays returned home following a two weekend road trip. The road trip ended on a high note, which the Rays were looking to continue a two-game winning streak on Friday against Amarillo. The Wranglers have had the better of Corpus Christi this season winning the first four matchups, but on Friday, it was a different story.
In the first period, shots on goal favored Amarillo, but as their starting goaltender, Michael Sochan, quickly learned, it is not about how many go on net. The IceRays second shot on goal found its way into the back of the net past the goaltender. The goal was scored by Nathan Butler, his twelfth of the season. Assists on the Butler goal were awarded to Elias and Nekhamiyev, the remainder of the third line for Corpus Christi on Friday night.
Just a minute and a half later, the IceRays struck for their second goal on the third shot on goal of the night. It was Colby Seitz finding the back of the net past Sochan. Friday was the second straight game with a goal from Colby Seitz. Assists were given to Cole Helm and Zach Dill on the goal. Following the Seitz goal, Amarillo’s coaching staff pulled Sochan in way for Max Gutjahr.
The Rays maintained their two goal lead throughout the remainder of the first period. In the second, the Rays extended their lead to three thanks to a Blake Lewis shot that was set up by Trey Zagrzebski. Stepan Kuznetsov also received an assist on the goal, which marks the third straight game that all three members of the first line find the score sheet.
Right away, in the third, Amarillo had their answer. Kristaps Skrastins sent one in on Stefan Carney for his 22nd of the season just seven seconds into the period. This was their only response, though, as the Rays went on to win 3-1 against the fourth place Wranglers.
Carney stopped 27/28 of shots fired on net from Amarillo earning his third straight win and sixth of the season. This earned Carney the first star of the game. The second star was occupied by Colby Seitz who scored the game-winning goal for Corpus Christi for the second straight game. The third star was given to Blake Lewis who has now scored in three straight games for the IceRays.
The IceRays now sit only two points out of a playoff spot, which is currently occupied by Amarillo. The Rays have a chance to move into a tie with Amarillo on Saturday night if they are able to beat the Wranglers in regulation. If the IceRays win on Saturday, they will either be in a playoff spot or just outside of one.
Tickets are on sale now either on Ticketmaster or at the American Bank Center box office. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 on Saturday night.