Sunday Wrap-up: Lone Star Sweeps Odessa on the Road

Lone Star 4 @ Odessa 3 - The Lone Star Brahmas survived a ferocious comeback effort Sunday, narrowly taking down the Odessa Jackalopes by a final score of 4-3. After taking a 4-0 lead in the second period, Odessa stormed back with three goals in a 15-minute span to set up a thrilling finish. The Brahmas had to fend off the ‘Jacks in the final 13:17 to earn the victory. With the loss, Odessa is officially eliminated from playoff contention in the South Division, as they trail the final spot by six points and have only two games remaining. Lone Star has already clinched the top seed in the South. Oklahoma clinches a playoff berth with Odessa’s loss. The Brahmas started the game hot, potting three goals in the opening 20 minutes. Leo Isaksson (17th), Christian Venticinque (17th), and Tyson Scanlon (21st) all scored for Lone Star to give them a 3-0 lead heading to the second period. Jackson Vaites extended the lead to 4-0 with just over 14 minutes to go in the second period on his 11th goal of the season. Just when it seemed like Lone Star was running away with the game, Odessa found its game with its season on the line. Andrew Rivera (first) and Gabe Pankratz (seventh) both scored in the final 8:52 of the period to cut the deficit to 4-2 heading to the final frame. In the final period, Odessa made it a one-goal game thanks to Daniel Kuczkowski’s 11th goal of the year with 13:17 to go. Odessa searched desperately for the equalizer in order to keep its playoff hopes alive, but Lone Star’s defense and goaltender Leo Gabriel turned away the remaining chances. The Brahmas held on for a 4-3 win to end Odessa’s hopes of sneaking into the playoffs.