ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (17-24-5-4) fell 3-2 by way of a shootout to the Philadelphia Rebels (19-24-2-6) at the LECOM Event Center Friday night.
The Aviators dug themselves out of a 2-0 hole throughout a game full of chaos. The teams combined for 152 penalty minutes, with the Aviators accounting for 77.
There were fights, unsportsmanlike conducts and plenty of other infractions that kept up the parade to the penalty box.
The Rebels converted on two power plays while the Aviators failed to score on any of their man-advantages.
Ilya Baldin got Elmira on the board in the second period by roofing a backhand shot. The Aviators tied it in the third with Evan Dantas stealing the puck and wiring a shot home for his 19th on the campaign.
The purple and black had the lion’s share of the chances in overtime, outshooting Philadelphia 5-0 in the three-on-three. However, Rebel netminder Ilja Nikitins was outstanding, making highlight stop after highlight stop.
Overall, Nikitins piled up 38 saves on 40 shots and turned away both Elmira skaters he faced in the shootout.
Ryan Bunting and Thomas Klochkov scored for Philadelphia in the shootout.
The Aviators and Rebels will do battle once more Saturday night at the LECOM Event Center at 7 p.m.
Fans unable to attend the game can stream the action on NATV or listen live on WINGZ93.
Mac Young is the play-by-play voice of the Elmira Aviators. To contact him, email [email protected].