The Kansas City Mavericks are back home getting ready to face the Toledo Walleyes for game four in the Western Conference Final. The Mavericks are leading the series 2-1, losing the last game played in Toledo before heading home for the rest of the series. The Mavericks lost to the Walleys 3-4 this past Monday, making this a minimum of five games series for the Mavericks if they win the next two. In the hope that they do, we see them making some roster moves on Friday before the game.
The Mavericks have made a significant roster change, placing Jacob Hayhurst on the reserves list. Hayhurst, a true powerhouse throughout the Kelly Cup Playoffs, has been instrumental in the team’s success. He is currently sitting with three goals, seven assists, and ten points. One of his goals was against Toledo in game one, and his other two were against the Idaho Steelheads in game one of their series. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, and we look forward to his return to the ice. However, in his absence, we might see some cooler heads as Jacob was responsible for a slashing penalty in game two, and the Walleyes haven’t soon forgotten.
With the Mavericks making changes to their roster, we see the return of Cade Borchardt. The last time we saw Cade, he was slow getting up from a hit by fellow Mav Jake McLaughlin during period two of game one of the Toledo series. Cade had one goal in that game but has five goals and three assists in the playoffs. He has been a force to be reckoned with during the playoffs, but the hit against him was too much for his body to absorb and bounce back immediately. During the regular season, he’s shown to be resilient and dedicated, sitting at the second-highest 53 for assists and 24 goals.
The Mavericks take on the Walleyes Friday night at home in the Dahmer Cable Arena, and the puck drops at 7:05 CDT. The Walleyes had their 22-game win streak ended by the Mavericks on the 20th, and they are currently undefeated on the road during the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Mavericks look to end that run for the Walleyes and take their series lead to 3-1. The winner of this series goes on to the Final for the Kelly Cup.
