Bulls Blank 'Runners, Take 2-0 Series Lead
April 22, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
After a 14 combined goal scorefest on Friday, defense prevailed on Saturday as Amarillo shut out Topeka 3-0 to move within a game of moving on to the Robertson Cup Tournament.
The first period was scoreless but each side had decent chances. Bulls goalie Gregg Gruehl made a great save to deny Kyle Sharkey on a power play chance after a slick crossing pass from Ben Bahe, and another shot from the right wing clanged off the goalpost but the game remained scoreless until Karl Beckman knocked in a rebound during a second period Bulls power play at the 8:00 minute mark. Topeka ramped up the pressure in the second period, but again Gruehl was equal to the task, including stopping Dan Dupell on a breakaway after a stretch pass from Trace Strahle. After 40 minutes, the 'Runners trailed 1-0.
Topeka went on the power play midway through the third period but right off the offensive zone draw, the puck bounced past the right point and the Bulls leading scorer Brooks Behling pounced on it, scoring on a breakaway at 9:52, just :07 seconds into the Topeka power play for a 2-0 Amarillo edge. Roughly two minutes later at 11:56 and back at even strength, Behling scored again, getting a step around a Topeka defenseman from the left side and cutting to his right to slip the puck behind Peter Traber for the 3-0 that proved to be the final tally.
Topeka returns home for Game 3 of the best-of-five series on Thursday, April 26. If necessary, Game 4 is scheduled for Friday, April 27. Tickets for Game 3 are on sale at the Kansas Expocentre Box Office for just $1.00.
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