The Kansas City Mavericks faced off against the Utah Grizzlies again on Saturday at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri. Saturday night was the final game in the three-game series, which the Mavericks completed with a clean sweep. With Saturday night’s win, the Mavericks hold a 6-3 record against the Grizzlies this season. Noah West started in the goal for the Mavericks Saturday evening with a 1.94 goals-against average (GAA) and a .917 save percentage (SV%). Saturday’s game was West’s fourth start since joining the Mavericks a week ago. Vinny Duplessis started in the net for the Grizzlies with a 4.21 GAA and a .869 SV% this season.
First Period
The first period began much like the Mavericks’ recent games, as the team continued working to find chemistry and balance with the influx of new faces and teammates. The lone goal for the period was awarded to the Mavericks less than three minutes into the period for Luke Loheit, with assists from Jimmy Mazza and Nolan Sullivan. Although the Grizzlies outshot the Mavericks 11-6, they could not break through the Mavericks defense and were kept off the scoreboard. The Mavericks held a 1-0 lead at the end of the period.
Second Period
The Grizzlies’ defense faltered in the second period, allowing the Mavericks to find the net three times. The Mavericks Nathan Dunkley scored a power-play goal six minutes into the second period. Helpers for the goal were Zack Trott and Jackson Berezowski. Less than 10 minutes into the period, Marcus Crawford scored goal number two, along with Luke Loheit. The third goal went to Landon McCallum twelve minutes in, with assists from Marcus Crawford and Nathan Dunkley. The Grizzlies’ lone scoring opportunity by Reilly Connors was overturned and ruled no goal due to goaltender interference. At the end of the second period the Mavericks were leading 4-0.
Third Period
To start the third period, the Grizzlies switched goaltenders, bringing Jake Barczewski to take over in the net. The lone goal for the period came from the Grizzlies Griffin Ness four minutes into the period. The Grizzlies held the Mavericks scoreless in the period while outshooting them 11-2. Noah West turned aside 27 of 28 shots, helping to secure a 4-1 victory over the Grizzlies.
Standings
The Mavericks remain in first place in the Mountain Division, eight points ahead of the second-place Tahoe Knight Monsters with 81 points. In third place is the Tulsa Oilers with 76 points, and in fourth place is the Wichita Thunder with 75 points. It is a close race; the outcome will depend on who wins the remaining few games. The Mavericks are in first place in the Western Conference in front of the Toledo Walleye, who have clinched a playoff position. The Maverick’s new series is against the Wichita Thunder starting Wednesday.
Three Stars of the Game
- Kansas City – Luke Loheit
- Kansas City- Nathan Dunkley
- Kansas City – Marcus Crawford
ITR 39: Conference Finals – Inside The Rink
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