The Thunderbolts took on the Huntsville Havoc Saturday night in the second leg of a back-to-back home and home series, falling 5-4 in overtime. Evansville got a crucial win Friday night beating Huntsville 2-1 to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Havoc now sit atop the league standings with 67 points. This was the sixth time the two teams have faced each other this season, with Huntsville now leading the season series 4-2. The teams meet once more on March 31st in Huntsville.

            The offense stared early and came often in this high scoring affair as Sy Nutkevitch struck for Huntsville little more than two minutes into the game. Just 59 seconds later, John Scorcia would even things at one with his second goal in as many games. Robbie Hall registered his first professional point with his assist on the play. Chase Nieuwendyk would put Evansville ahead 2-1 with his second goal for the Thunderbolts coming at the 8:30 mark of the first period. Evansville would increase their lead to three in the first part of the second period, getting goals from Tyler Gjurich and Austin McKay. With the goal, McKay has two points in two games since returning from his call-up to Rapid City of the ECHL. The scoring would all be in Huntsville’s favor for the rest of the game as they scored three unanswered goals to force overtime. Jordan Wood would complete the comeback for the Havoc, scoring his fourth game-winning goal of the season.

            Tanner Milliron had 32 saves on the night and Huntsville’s Tyler Steel turned away 42 as the Thunderbolts outshot the Havoc 46-37. Evansville’s powerplay struggles continued as they went 0-2 on the man advantage, while Huntsville converted on twice in four powerplay tries.

            With the point earned in overtime, Evansville remains six points behind Columbus for the eighth and final playoff spot. Columbus has two games in-hand. Evansville has seven games remaining in the season. The Thunderbolts will host the Fayetteville FireAntz at the Ford Center next Friday and Saturday as the teams meet for the final time this season. Both games are scheduled for a 7:15 p.m. puck drop.