Runners Dominate Texas In 4-1 Win
November 16, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
TOPEKA, KS - The Topeka RoadRunners return home was a victorious one as they defeated the Texas Tornado Thursday night by a score of 4-1.
Riding a three game win streak, the RoadRunners came out strong, dominating the first period, but only managed one goal, and that came on a 5-on-3 power play at the 13:04 mark as Colin Smith buried a blast from the blue line. Topeka outshot Texas 17-6 in the first period, but held a scant 1-0 lead.
In the second period, Topeka exploded for three even strength goals in the span of about 7 and a half minutes to blow the game wide open and take a 4-0 lead. The first of the goals was scored by Corey Jendras as he knifed through the Texas defense, carrying a defender on his back. This goal came at the 7:14 mark. Defenseman Ryan McGrath netted his first of the year at the 12:51 mark when Josh Kamrass fed him from the corner as McGrath drove the net from the left side. Topeka added a shorthanded goal at 14:43 as Steve Shafer sent what was supposed to be a pass that caromed off the Tornado defenders skate and into the net for a 4-0 lead. Topeka led 4-0 after two periods, and had outshot Texas 26-10.
In the third period, Texas finally snuck one by Bryce Merriam as John Kruse picked the top corner on a Texas power play to cut the lead to 4-1, but it was all the offense the Tornado could muster as the RoadRunners coasted to their 4th consecutive victory.
The 'Runners (9-5-3) pull to within 1 point of the 2nd place Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Topeka faces Texas twice more this week, with games on Friday and Saturday night at the Kansas Expocentre. The games will be heard on AM 1490 KTOP, Topeka's TOP Sports Station.
NOTES: The RoadRunners acquired defenseman Dennis Brown from the Lincoln Stars (USHL) for an undisclosed amount of cash. The injuries to Tommy Hill and Randy Swank have left the Topeka blue line stretched to the limit. Brown will arrive in Topeka on Friday, and will likely see action this weekend with his new team.
The RoadRunners recent successes can be directly tied to two things. After losing 4 in a row, the 'Runners have now won 4 in a row. One factor is increased scoring. In the 4 losses (each of which was by one goal), Topeka managed only 9 goals. In the four wins, Topeka has pumped in twice as many goals, netting 18 in the 4 wins. The defense has tightened up as well, allowing 13 goals in the losses, while only allowing 6 in the 4 wins. The most noticeable difference is the play at even strength. In both the 4 losses and 4 wins, Topeka allowed a total of 4 power play goals. In the 4 losses, 9 even strength goals were scored against the 'Runners, while in the 4 wins, only TWO even strength goals have been scored. The two main differences are increased goal production and a sharp increase in 5-on-5 effectiveness.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 16, 2007
- Jets Hang Tough with Outlaws but Fall, 4-3 - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Outlaws Outlast Jets - North Iowa Outlaws
- Runners Dominate Texas In 4-1 Win - Topeka Pilots
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