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ECHL Kansas City Mavericks

Mavericks Take 5-4 Victory over Oilers

November 4, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kansas City Mavericks News Release


Tulsa, OK (Nov. 4, 2014) - Always good to end a road trip with a win and for the Missouri Mavericks it was especially sweet as they handed the Tulsa Oilers their first regulation home loss of the season by a 5-4 count. The win moves the Mavs to 2-3 on their season-opening journey as they now head home to face the Rapid City Rush on Saturday night at the Independence Events Center.

"We started out OK but really took over in the second period," said Mavs Head Coach Richard Matvichuk. "We proved to ourselves that when we play our system that we will be successful. I was happy with our commitment and work ethic throughout most of the game."

Newcomer Lindsay Sparks (2G-1A3PTS) and Jared Brown (1G-2A3PTS) paced the Missouri offense as each finished the game with three points. Brandon Hynes, also signed just this week by the Mavs, finished with a pair of helpers.

"The new players added a lot for us and are guys with big hearts," said Matvichuk. "I loved the way they competed and they obviously have very good hockey sense and I am sure they'll be very valuable for us."

For Tulsa, Adam Pleskach scored a pair of goals giving him nine on the season (most in the ECHL) with five of those coming against Missouri.

The lone power play goal of the game started the scoring for Tulsa (finished 1 for 5) as T.J. Caig gave his club a 1-0 lead just under three minutes into the game. Missouri would miss on all four of their power play chances in the game.

Missouri would rally with Sebastien Thinel's third goal of the season later in the opening period and Sparks first goal of the night coming early in the second period.

Tulsa would tie the score at two goals apiece with his first of the night at the 8:35 mark of the second period but a huge point in the game came just 45 seconds later when Sparks scored his second of the night regaining the lead for the Mavs.

"We have showed resiliency all season," said Matvichuk. "Our goal was to get pucks to the net and get traffic in front of the goal and we did that and were able to battle back all night. It was a good effort and a good win."

As the second period neared the end, David Rutherford scored his fourth goal of the season, now has points in three straight games (3G-2A5PTS), giving Missouri a 4-2 lead after 40 minutes.

The Mavericks had not lead after two periods this season but last year where a near perfect 33-2-1 when leading heading into the third frame.

Tulsa must have received the message sent by their coach, Bruce Ramsay, as they came out firing in the third period with Pleskach's second goal of the game coming just 43 second into the final frame and then former Mavs d-man Dave Pszenyczny scoring his first goal of the season at the 3:56 mark tying the game at four goals apiece.

Missouri would answer though with Jared Brown ending a great shift that saw the Mavs generate numerous chances. Brown would finish it off with his first goal of the season at the 5:45 mark and it would serve as the game winner.

With the win, the Mavs hand the Oilers their first regulation loss on home ice. Tulsa was 1-0-1 on their three-game home stand entering play on Tuesday and on the season are now 2-1-1 at home (their first three games were all decided in overtime or shootout).

Missouri is now 2-0 on the season against Tulsa and 9-2 in their last 11 against their rivals.

The home opener for the Mavericks is set for Saturday, November 8th when the Rapid City Rush come for a visit.

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