'Runners Muck out 3-1 Win over Jr. Blues
November 19, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
It was far from pretty, but in the end the Topeka RoadRunners got some timely, solid goaltending and pair of blue collar, "tough area" goals en route to a 3-1 win over the Springfield Jr. Blues on Friday night in front of over 1,800 fans in Landon Arena.
The game whisked along quickly, with only 4 goals and 2 penalties (technically three, but two were a double minor). The first period was scoreless, with just one penalty called, a boarding call on Springfield but Topeka was unable to score. The 'Runners held a 9-6 shots advantage after twenty minutes, not counting two solid shots that clanged off iron in the first period behind Springfield goalie Tyler Parks.
In the second period, there was a delayed penalty about to be called on Blake Box, but on the ensuing rush the Jr. Blues leading scorer Kyle Cook backhanded a rebound past a fallen Peter Traber for a 1-0 Springfield lead at 7:10 of the period. The period remained penalty free, and exactly 6:00 minutes later Topeka tied the game. Dan Dupell entered the zone driving the left wing and saucered a pass across to Jake Lynes whose shot was turned aside but the rebound fell in the crease where Brian Christie knocked it in to tie the game at 1-1 with 6:50 to go in the period. The second period ended with the game still tied at 1-1, and shots on goal even at 16 apiece for the game.
Through two periods, the game was marred with sloppy turnovers and neutral zone clutter, and the pattern continued through the third. In the final stanza, Topeka took the lead when Robbie Davis muscled home a loose puck in the crease, set up by attempts from Sean Gaffney and Gage Hough at 5:41. Springfield managed some opportunities but couldn't find the equalizer as Peter Traber turned in a solid performance. The Jr. Blues were set back even further when Chris Sitler was issued a double minor and game ejection for a hit from behind on James Ring. Springfield killed off the four minute penalty, and even managed a couple of decent chances shorthanded. However, as the clock headed toward the final minute, the Topeka forecheck kept the Jr. Blues pinned in their end, finally able to pull their goalie with :20 seconds left, but a successful RoadRunner zone clear set up Robbie Davis to cruise in and deposit the puck into the empty net with 3.0 seconds remaining for the 3-1 win. Peter Traber has now won his last 4 starts, turning aside 23 shots in Friday's win.
Topeka (14-7-2) and Springfield (8-13-1) meet again Saturday night at 7:05 pm in the Kansas Expocentre. The 'Runners are 15-2-1 at home against Springfield since moving to Kansas in 2007. Topeka trails second place Texas by one point in the South, and Springfield trails third place Coulee Region by one point in the MidWest. The 'Runners and Jr. Blues meet another four times this season. Saturday's pregame show starts at 6:45 pm on countrylegends1069.com and is available on Pay Per View at FASThockey.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 19, 2011
- Super Win - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Bruins finish weekend with a split - Austin Bruins
- 'Runners Muck out 3-1 Win over Jr. Blues - Topeka Pilots
- Port Huron Overcomes North Stars in Shootout - Traverse City North Stars
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