BOISE — The Toledo Walleye salvaged a win at the end of their three-game set against the Idaho Steelheads, scoring four consecutive goals on their way to a 5-2 victory Saturday at Idaho Central Arena.
On their first trip to Idaho since the 2023 ECHL Western Conference finals, the Walleye lost 5-2 on Wednesday and picked up a point with a 4-3 overtime loss Friday before earning the victory Saturday. Toledo wrapped up its season-opening road swing with a 3-1-1 record.
After a scoreless first period, the Steelheads struck first Saturday night with a Gavin White power-play goal 4:47 into the second. The Walleye took over from there, scoring four in a span of less than 16 minutes stretched across the second and third periods.
Trenton Bliss tied the game with 4:20 remaining in the second, and Brandon Hawkins scored his first goal of the season to give the Walleye the lead just over two minutes later. After the intermission, Tyler Spezia continued his hot start to the season with a power-play goal 2:16 into the third.
It was the fourth goal of the young campaign for Spezia, who scored twice in Friday’s loss.
The Walleye converted again on a power play later in the third as Grant Gabriele made it 4-1 with 8:02 remaining in the game. Idaho got back on the board with 1:32 left via Ty Pelton-Byce’s goal on another power play.
The Steelheads continued to push for a late comeback with their goaltender pulled, but Bliss scored an empty-net goal with 29 seconds left to seal the victory.
Jan Bednar made 25 saves on 27 shots for Toledo. Idaho goalie Ben Kraws made 25 of 29 possible saves.
The Walleye return to the Huntington Center for their home opener Friday against the Wheeling Nailers. Puck drop is set for 7:15 p.m.
First Published October 27, 2024, 4:25 a.m.