Pilots Can't Net Late Equalizer, Fall 1-0 to IceRays
April 6, 2019 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka Pilots fought valiantly Friday night to equalize and win their matchup with the Corpus Christi IceRays, pressuring all night.
It were the IceRays, however, who escaped victorious.
After giving up an early goal just two minutes in, Topeka (23-28-8) played from behind all night. Only surrendering the lone tally, Topeka could not solve Slovakian goaltender Samuel Vyletelka, who made 34 saves on the night, as Topeka dropped a heartbreaking 1-0 game to Corpus Christi.
With the loss, Topeka has now been eliminated from the postseason race, with the IceRays clinching the last spot in the NAHL South Division.
The game-winning goal came off of the stick of forward Matthew Headland, who netted his fifth goal of the year at 2:26. Headland beat goaltender McLean Dorr with the IceRays on a 2-on-1 break. His shot whistled by Dorr for a 1-0 lead, which stood till the final horn in the third period.
Dorr made 36 saves on 37 attempts in the contest, dropping his goals against average to 3.62 overall and 3.14 since joining the Pilots.
The Pilots had a great opportunity late, with forward Nikita Krivokrasov whistled for hooking at 18:02, setting up a powerplay for the Pilots with only 1:58 to play.
After establishing play in the IceRays' zone, the Pilots then opted to pull Dorr, making it a 6-on-4 powerplay just over a minute.
Vyletelka was up to the task, however, seeing shots well and calmly smothering any rebound chances.
Topeka will look to end the season on a high note, with the final game of the 2018-2019 campaign set to get underway at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night at the American Bank Center, as the Pilots look to split with the IceRays.
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from April 6, 2019
- Playoff-Bound IceRays Close Regular Season with 4-1 Win - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bruins Thwarted by Bobcats in Regular Season Finale, 6-2 - Austin Bruins
- Steel Beat the MN Magicians in Season Finale - Chippewa Steel
- Tomahawks Fall to Rebels 3-1 - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Black Bears End Season with Overtime Thriller against the Knights - Maryland Black Bears
- Pilots Can't Net Late Equalizer, Fall 1-0 to IceRays - Topeka Pilots
- Quick Hits: NAHL Game 60 Preview - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
- Wings Close out Regular Season with Road Sweep of Wilderness - Aberdeen Wings
- Mudbugs Drop Heartbreaker to Brahmas - Shreveport Mudbugs
- Bulls Edge Jacks in OT - Amarillo Bulls
- Jacks Fall in Overtime 3-2 - Odessa Jackalopes
- IceRays Clinch Playoff Spot with 1-0 Shutout of Topeka - Corpus Christi IceRays
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
