Tonight the Gamblers return to the Resch Center, after four straight road games. Fans would see a thrilling game between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, after the Gamblers came fighting back to tie the game 3-3 in with under a minute left in regulation, they would fall to the Roughriders 4-3 in a shootout.
With only eight shots on goal in the first period, the Gamblers would struggle to get anything going. The Roughriders did not face that same struggle and would lead 1-0 after the horned sounded.
Going into the second period the Gamblers still unable to put a puck behind the goalie. The Roughriders were able to increase their lead to two and head into the final period up 2-0.
With only 20 minutes remaining the Gamblers would try and turn things around. 21 seconds into the final period the Roughriders once again scored to make it 3-0. But the Gamblers would wake up quickly. Two minutes later McKade Webster would score his fifth goal of the season. Jesse Tucker would follow suit and bring the Gamblers within one. With ten seconds remaining and time running out quickly, Ryan O’Reilly would fire on in to tie the game with just seven seconds left.
The Gamblers found themselves on the power play in OT but were unable to seal the deal. The Gamblers would find themselves in their second shootout of the season. The first two Cedar Rapids shot takers would come up empty, but the Gamblers were unable to capitalize. The Roughriders scored with the third shooter and ended up taking the extra point in the shootout.
The Gamblers are back at the Resch next Wednesday, November 27 to take on the Madison Capitals. Tickets are available at www.gamblershockey.com/tickets.
