The Kansas City Mavericks and Idaho Steelheads are gearing up for game three of the second series of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Despite the series being tied 1-1, the Mavericks are showing their unwavering determination, making it to the second round for the first time since 2016. They clinched a solid victory in the first game of this series with a score of 4-2, and while they faced a narrow loss of 3-2 in the second game, they are not backing down. Currently, they stand at 25.0% (4-for-16) on power plays and 53.3% (8-for-15) on PKs. They have also made some strategic roster moves for tonight’s game. This strategic move could change the team’s defensive strategy dynamics, demonstrating their resolve to secure a win in this crucial second game.
Defenseman Justin MacPherson has been activated off the Reserve list. So far in the Playoffs, he has played two games with no goals and no assists. Justin was traded to the Mavericks from the Florida Everblades in March for future considerations. Justin signed his first professional contract with the Everblades on March 6th, played one game for them, and was traded shortly after due to the return of players on AHL/ECHL contracts and from injury. MacPherson saw ice time in 11 games during the regular season, gathering four assists.
The Mavericks are placing defenseman David Noël on reserves. During the last game against Idaho, Noël was quite the thorn in the Steelhead players’ side, getting into a minor scrum with Patrick Kudla and high-sticking Ty Pelton-Byce. Noël, who signed his first professional contract with the ECHL on March 22nd, has played four games in the Playoffs and had two assists. His journey to the Mavericks includes signing an AHL tryout contract with the San Antonio Rampage in the 2017-2018 season. After completing one game with the Rampage, he continued to play hockey at the University of Québec-Trois-Rivières. During the regular season with the Mavericks, Noël played nine games, showing his potential to impact the game.
The Mavericks face the Steelhead tonight at 7:10 MDT.
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