Pilots Drop Saturday Affair with Ice Wolves 4-2
November 10, 2019 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka Pilots entered this weekend with high expectations, battling for first place in the NAHL South Division.
But the expansion New Mexico Ice Wolves were ready to spoil the party, picking up their first two home wins of the season.
After dropping a close game by a final of 2-1 on Friday night, Topeka (13-7-2) fell behind 4-0 on Saturday before scoring two goals in the final minute of regulation, en route to a 4-2 defeat at Outpost Ice Arenas.
New Mexico (3-15-1) jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one period, with two powerplay goals at 8:12 and 19:33.
The Ice Wolves went 2-for-3 on the powerplay Saturday, while the Pilots struggled, going 0-for-8 on the man-advantage.
Despite outshooting the Ice Wolves 42-24 for the game, New Mexico expanded the lead to 3-0 in the second period, with forward Alex Lopez beating goaltender Guy Blessing at 15:22 for his first goal of the season.
Forward Michael McCosh expanded the lead to 4-0 at 18:06 of the third period, before Topeka eventually broke through late.
Forward Dominic Sandoval picked up his first and second goals of the season at 19:14 and 19:37 to break the shutout and provide a late surge for the Pilots, but it was too late for a comeback bid by Topeka.
The Pilots return to action Nov. 16-17 at 7:05 p.m. at the Stormont Vail Events Center, as Topeka welcomes the Lone Star Brahmas to town, as they look to regain first place in the NAHL South Division.
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