'Runners End Skid with Solid 4-1 Win
March 4, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka RoadRunners put forth a masterful effort on Saturday night, dominating the game from start to finish in a 4-1 victory that ended a dismal four game winless streak.
Topeka came out of the gates with a vigorous attack, though surrendered the games first goal on a power play at 7:04 of the first as Taylor Herndon swatted home a rebound in traffic for the 1-0 lead. The 'Runners answered when Kevin Patterson punched in a power play goal of his own on a rebound at 9:18 assisted by Richard Young and Kyle Sharkey and the game was tied at 1-1 after 20 minutes.
The RoadRunners were even more aggressive in the second period, outshooting Texas 11-4 and taking the lead for good just :39 seconds into the frame. Anders Schultz banked the puck off the left wing wall up to the point where Chris Bond fired a shot that Richard Young deftly redirected into the top corner for the 2-1 advantage. It was the only goal of the period but it clearly set the tone early in the frame. Topeka led 2-1 after 2.
Topeka's power play had been off a bit of late, hitting at just 12.5% during the losing streak, so getting that aspect of the game back on track was imperative. The 'Runners used a power play tally at 2:39 of the third to move ahead 3-1, with Kevin Patterson netting his second PPG of the game, again assisted by Kyle Sharkey and Richard Young. Texas pulled their goalie late in the third, but Ryan White fired into the empty net for the final 4-1 margin at 19:45 as Topeka earned the weekend series split. GoalieAlexander Larson put in his second straight solid effort in emergency relief, finishing the weekend with a 1.00 GAA, and a .949 save pct, while stopping 37 of 39 shots. Ryan White's goal moved his RoadRunner career point total to 120, tying him with Michael Hill and sitting just one point behind all-time franchise leaders Corey Stark and Josh Kamrass (121). The win was the 299th in the head coaching career of Scott Langer.
Topeka (33-16-3) next weekend heads to St. Louis (35-13-2), who moved into first place in the Midwest Division Saturday with a win over Janesville. Friday's game is scheduled to be played in St. Charles, MO with Saturday's matchup set for the Hardee's Iceplex in Chesterfield, MO. The Bandits and 'Runners will square off again the following weekend in Landon Arena.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 4, 2012
- Stars Top Kalamazoo in Shootout - Traverse City North Stars
- 'Runners End Skid with Solid 4-1 Win - Topeka Pilots
- Kalamazoo Gives up Two Late Goals, Wins in Overtime - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- Wild Power Past Monsters: Winning Streak Extended to Five Games - Wenatchee Wild
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