ECHL Western Conference Finals – Game 2 Recap: Toledo Walleye vs Kansas City Mavericks

In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Toledo took a 2-0 lead in the series after defeating Kansas City 2-0 on May 15, 2025. They followed that performance with another win in Game 2, securing a 4-3 victory over the Mavericks and extending their series lead to 2-0. Both teams battled fiercely in a game that saw the Walleye take an early lead, then fend off Kansas City‘s comeback attempt.

First Period

The Walleye got off to a strong start, taking a 2-0 lead in the first period. The first goal came at 1:49, when Mitchell Lewandowski opened the scoring for Toledo. Lewandowski’s goal was set up by Nick Moyle and Cameron Bantle, putting the Walleye ahead early.

GOAL (1:49): Mitchell Lewandowski (Toledo) – Even Strength | Assisted by Nick Moyle, Cameron Bantle

The Walleye extended their lead to 2-0 at 4:07 with a goal from Jacob Smereck, assisted by Nick Moyle.

GOAL (4:07): Jacob Smereck (Toledo) – Even Strength | Assisted by Nick Moyle

Kansas City responded at 7:34, when Colton Wright scored to cut the lead to 2-1.

GOAL (7:34): Colton Wright (Kansas City) – Even Strength/Unassisted

The Mavericks tied it at 12:15, with Maxim Andreev scoring a power-play goal, assisted by Colton Morrison and Cade Borchardt.

GOAL (12:15): Maxim Andreev (Kansas City) – Power Play | Assisted by Colton Morrison, Cade Borchardt

The Walleye retook the lead at 13:33, with Trenton Bliss scoring to make it 3-2. Smereck earned another assist on the goal.

GOAL (13:33): Trenton Bliss (Toledo) – Even Strength | Assisted by Jacob Smereck

First Period Stats
Shots on Goal: Toledo 15 | Kansas City 12
Saves: Toledo 12 | Kansas City 10
Penalty Minutes (PIM): Toledo 6 | Kansas City 4

Second Period

Kansas City started the second period with momentum, tying the game at 3-3 just 1:21 into the frame with a power-play goal by Christian Carreau, assisted by Maxim Andreev and Colton Morrison.

GOAL (1:21): Christian Carreau (Kansas City) – Power Play | Assisted by Maxim Andreev, Colton Morrison

The Walleye ran into some trouble when defenseman Matt Anderson took a hit behind the Kansas City net, leaving him shaken up. While the cause of the collision remained unclear, no penalty was called on Kansas City. Then, in the ensuing scrum, Toledo’s Tyler Spezia was called for roughing at 3:03, sending the Walleye to the penalty kill. Despite the setback, Toledo successfully killed off the penalty.

At 6:12, the Walleye regained the lead when Colby Ambrosio found the back of the net, assisted by Ben Kruse and Matt Anderson.

GOAL (6:12): Colby Ambrosio (Toledo) – Even Strength | Assisted by Ben Kruse, Matt Anderson

The rest of the period remained tightly contested, with neither team finding the back of the net again. Toledo held onto their 4-3 lead heading into the third.

Second Period Stats
Shots on Goal: Toledo 6 | Kansas City 6
Saves: Toledo 5 | Kansas City 5
Penalty Minutes (PIM): Toledo 4 | Kansas City 4

Third Period

The third period saw both teams battling fiercely, with Kansas City pushing hard to tie the game once again. Despite some strong efforts, the Mavericks couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities they created. The Walleye’s defense stood firm, keeping Kansas City at bay. Toledo continued to generate offense but couldn’t add to their lead.

Penalties were called in the third, impacting the flow of play. At 2:15, Kansas City’s David Cotton was called for high-sticking. Despite the penalty, Toledo couldn’t add another goal. Then at 10:26, Kansas City’s Nathan Dunkley was called for slashing, giving the Walleye another power-play opportunity, but they couldn’t capitalize.

Third Period Stats
Shots on Goal: Toledo 8 | Kansas City 9
Saves: Toledo 9 | Kansas City 8
Penalty Minutes (PIM): Toledo 0 | Kansas City

Final Game Summary

Shots on Goal
Toledo: 29 | Kansas City: 27

Power Plays
Toledo: 0/3 | Kansas City: 2/2

Penalty Minutes
Toledo: 6 min (3 infractions) | Kansas City: 10 min (5 infractions)

Three Stars of the Game

1. Toledo’s Jacob Smereck had a great game, contributing one goal and and assist.
2. .Kansas City’s Maxim Andreev was a standout player with a goal and an assist.
3. Nick Moyle (Toledo) had two assists, playing a pivotal role in setting up Toledo’s scoring plays.

Up Next

With Toledo taking a 2-0 series lead after their Game 2 win, the series now shifts to Toledo for Game 3. The Mavericks are under pressure to make a statement on the road and avoid falling into a 3-0 hole. Toledo, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their momentum and push the series to the brink of a sweep.

Game 3 is a pivotal moment for both teams, with Kansas City needing a win to stay alive in the series. It promises to be an exciting matchup as the Mavericks aim to claw back, while the Walleye look to tighten their grip on the series. Game 3 will take place on May 20, 2025, with the puck drop slated for 7:15 PM EDT.