Pilots Get Shutout by Bulls
December 15, 2018 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Amarillo Bulls used a balanced offensive and defensive prowers to put the Topeka Pilots on their heels early Friday night.
Topeka (14-11-4) was still in the contest, however, going in to the first intermission, having only given up one first period goal while creating several good scoring chances.
Amarillo's 1-0 lead was not greater due to some great saves from Pilots goaltender Emil Gransoe.
The second and third periods though, belonged to Amarillo (19-3-4).
The Bulls scored three goals in the second period to take a 4-0 lead and then tacked on three more in the third, for a 7-0 shutout victory at Landon Arena.
Topeka, who has played competitive hockey of late, struggled against the NAHL South-leading Bulls, who came at the Pilots from the opening puck drop.
"We started the game pretty well and played our style, but then we let off the gas and they took advantage," Pilots head coach Simon Watson said. "They're (Amarillo) a good team, and they capitalized on our mistakes."
Watson knows his team is capable of competing with the Bulls, but there will need to be some changes made in order for that to happen.
"You can't take anything off or make mistakes against a team like that," Watson said. "We have to play sound hockey, and we know that."
On the night, Gransoe stopped 31 of 38 shots on the night, while his counterpart Jason Grande stopped the 22 shots he faced.
Amarillo converted on two of three powerplay chances on the evening, while Topeka went 0 for 3 on the night.
Topeka will look to rebound on Saturday night for Pucks & Paws at Landon Arena. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. All breeds of dogs are welcome, with a $5 dog ticket purchased at the Helping Hands Humane Society. The first 100 pooches in attendance will receive a free dog bandana, courtesy of Bark Avenue Topeka.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2018
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- Knights Get Solid Goaltending in Disappointing Weekend - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
- Wings Sweep Minot, Head into Christmas Break in 1st Place - Aberdeen Wings
- Pilots Get Shutout by Bulls - Topeka Pilots
- IceRays Win Streak up to Five Games Following 6-1 Defeat of Jackalopes - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bugs Beat the Bulls - Shreveport Mudbugs
- Odessa Falls 6-1 in First Back-To-Back Home Loss - Odessa Jackalopes
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