Kansas City Mavericks met up with the Utah Grizzlies at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri, for a three-game series starting Wednesday evening. The Mavericks hold a 4-3 record against the Grizzlies so far this season. Noah West started in the net for the Mavericks for his third game since his debut last week against Greenville Swamp Rabbits. In his previous two starts, West has posted a 2.39 goals-against average (GAA) and a .904 save percentage (SV%) heading into Wednesday night’s game. Starting in the net for the Grizzlies was Jake Barczewski, recording a 3.57 GAA and a .901 SV% so far this season.
First Period
The Mavericks had a slow start in the first period, firing 12 shots on goal but failing to find the back of the net. The lone goal of the period came to the Grizzlies Derek Daschke with less than two minutes remaining in the period, assisted by Mick Messner and Reed Lebster to end the period favoring the Grizzlies 1-0.
Second Period
The second period remained low-scoring, with just one goal despite the Mavericks registering 18 shots on goal. The lone goal was delivered by Nathan Dunkley with less than a minute remaining and assisting with the goal were Justin MacPherson and Zack Trott. This marked Nathan Dunkley’s second goal since joining the Mavericks last week. At the end of the period, the score was knotted up at one.
Third Period
The third period was much like the other two periods, with both teams focused on shutting down scoring opportunities. The Grizzlies managed only two shots on goal for the period, while the Mavericks recorded 11. The lone goal for the period came at 11 minutes in by Zack Trott and was assisted by Damien Giroux and Jimmy Mazza. Since joining the Mavericks in early March, Zack Trott has scored two goals and five assists. Despite the Grizzlies pulling their goalie to gain the extra player advantage, they were unable to tie the score. The Mavericks were 100% on the penalty kill for the game and 50% on the power play. Jake Baczewski stopped an impressive 39 saves on 41 shots, but the Grizzlies were unable to secure the win. Meanwhile, Noah West stopped 19 of 20 shots, leading the Mavericks to a 2-1 victory.
Standings
The Mavericks remain in first place in the Mountain Division, eight points ahead of the second-place Tahoe Knight Monsters. The Mavericks maintain their second-place position in the Western Conference behind the Toledo Walleye, who have clinched a playoff position. The Mavericks meet up with the Grizzlies again Friday night for the second game of the series.
Three Stars of the Game
- Kansas City – Zack Trott
- Kansas City- Noah West
- Kansas City – Nathan Dunkley
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