Pilots Replace 2 Game Loss Streak with a W
October 6, 2018 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka Pilots had a few scares in a wild third period Friday night.
The Pilots appeared in control of the game, heading into the third period leading 5-1.
But three early period goals gave the Jr. Blues the momentum, with much of the frame still to play.
Topeka (7-3-0) held on late, however, holding off a Springfield attack, to win 5-4 at the Nelson Center. The Jr. Blues outshot the Pilots 13-8 in the final frame, as they peppered goaltender Emil Gransoe.
Gransoe stopped 24 of 28 shots in the contest to earn the victory, while goaltender Jack Williams picked up the loss, saving 28 of 33 shots.
Springfield (3-3-1) got the scoring started late in the first period on the player, with a one-timer from forward Nick Techel beating Gransoe at 19:53 of the frame. Techel had two goals in the contest.
The Pilots had a one-timer of their own early midway through the second period, at 9:07, with forward Michael Muschitiello beating Williams low and stick-side to even the contest 1-1.
Just two minutes later, at 11:12, forward Kyler Yeo gave the Pilots a 2-1 lead, deflecting a shot into the back of the net.
An odd-man rush benefitted the Pilots at 18:25 of the second, with forward Matthew Francois making it 3-1, with a wrist shot slipping past Williams' glove.
Francois was not done, however, with another goal 26 seconds later at 18:51, making it 4-1 Topeka.
Forward Dallas Tulik notched his seventh goal of the season just 20 seconds into the final frame, giving Topeka a 5-1 lead, before three unanswered Springfield goals made it 5-4.
Topeka and Springfield return to action at 6:05 p.m. Saturday night at the Nelson Center.
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North American Hockey League Stories from October 6, 2018
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- Knights Split Weekend with Titans - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
- Pilots Replace 2 Game Loss Streak with a W - Topeka Pilots
- Wings Win Home Opener - Aberdeen Wings
- Knights Edge Titans, 2-1 - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
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