ECHL Western Conference Finals – Recap Game 5: Kansas City Mavericks vs. Toledo Walleye

Saturday night in Ohio, two teams meet for what could be the final time of the season. The Toledo Walleye host the Kansas City Mavericks for game five of the Western Conference Finals. Toledo leads the series 3–1 and sits just one win away from a return to the Kelly Cup Finals. A victory in Game 5 would punch their ticket, but a loss means another chance in Game 6. Kansas City finds itself in a familiar position—this is the second straight year they’ve faced elimination at the hands of the Walleye in the Conference Finals. For Game 5, Toledo will once again turn to Jan Bednar in net, while the Mavericks continue to rely on Jack LaFontaine between the pipes in hopes of keeping their Kelly Cup hopes alive.

First Period

The game starts with the puck dropping, and the crowd is on their feet. Two face-offs later, Toledo’s Matt Anderson scores, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Toledo has come out ready to end the series. Trenton Bliss adds to the excitement, making it 2-0 at 4:33. Kansas City fights back, and the crowd roars as Cade Borchardt makes it a 2-1 game. The audience’s energy fuels the players, and the game remains intense. Toledo’s Jalen Smereck and the Mavericks’ Landon McCallum give us 4-on-4 action after matching slashing penalties. The intricate play keeps things tight, leading to another slashing call at 12:37 on Jimmy Mazza of Kansas City. With 34 seconds left on the power play, Trenton Bliss nets his second goal of the night, making it 3–1 Toledo. The teams remain evenly matched throughout the period, and the crowd’s cheers echo through the arena. Shots on goal 11-10 Toledo.

Second Period

Both teams play a tight, disciplined game early, with only two shots on goal combined in the opening five minutes. The first penalty of the period goes to the Toledo Walleye, as Colin Swoyer is sent off for holding the stick. Midway through the frame, tensions rise and a scrum breaks out, leading to an interference call on Justin MacPherson. At 10:18, Toledo heads to the power play for the second time of the night, and they go back on the advantage again when Jake McLaughlin is whistled for interference at 13:56. Despite the Mavericks taking all three penalties in the period, the Walleye fail to capitalize on the man advantage. Emotions run high in the final minute, but no additional penalties are called. Toledo dominates puck possession and keeps Kansas City on its heels, finishing the period with a commanding 15–4 edge in shots on goal.

Third Period

The third period starts with the Kansas City Mavericks fighting to keep their series hopes alive. Cam Morrison of the Mavericks narrows the gap, making it 3-2 at 5:43. The Mavericks dominate the early part of the period. However, Matt Anderson of the Toledo Walleye extends their lead to 4-2 with 7:35 remaining. The Mavericks lead in shots at 11-6 when Brandon Hawkins of the Walleyes breaks his playoff drought, making it a 5-2 game with 2:48 left. The Mavericks pull Jack LaFontaine from the net, giving them an extra attacker. They end the period with 11 shots, but cannot bridge the goal gap.  Jan Bednar finishes the game with 23 saves, and Jack LaFontaine with 28.

Three Stars of the Game

Upcoming

While Kansas City heads home, Toledo heads to the Kelly Cup Finals. Toledo’s first Kelly Cup Final since losing to the Florida Everblades in 2022. They will face the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Trois-Rivieres Lions, who lead the series 3-2. The Lions and Everblades will face off in Game 6 on Tuesday, May 27, with puck drop set for 7:30 PM EST.