'Runners Stumble in Game 2, Now Face Elimination
Published on May 1, 2016 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
For the second time in as many nights, the Topeka RoadRunners scored first and Wichita Falls answered back. The teams would trade leads three times in Game 2 of the South Division Finals Saturday night before the Wildcats skated off with a 5-4 win and a 2-0 series lead.
Topeka hit the board first when Jack Nickels put back a rebound, set up by Yu Hikosaka and John O'Connor at 5:22 of the opening period. The vaunted Wildcat power play struck to tie the game at 12:17 and the game remained knotted at a goal apiece after one period.
The RoadRunners fell behind 2-1 on an Austin Beaulieu goal at 4:32 of the second, but JB Baker danced through the offensive zone on a power play and ripped a shot past Justin Kapelmaster to tie the game at the midway point of the second. Topeka retook the lead at 3-2 when Tyler Hayes bombed a blast from the blue line following a clean drawback faceoff win by Luka Maver on the power play. Topeka led 3-2 at the end of the second period.
At 1:31 of the third, Topeka got a little extra breathing room as Andrew Hart forced a turnover and fed Sami Tavernier in the slot for a 4-2 Topeka lead. But the 'Cats would mount a comeback, starting with another power play goal from Adam Goodsir at 4:42, and an even strength tally from Austin Albrecht at 7:44. The game remained tied at 4-4 until under four minutes remained in the game. At 16:14, Aleksi Poikola gave the 'Cats a 5-4 lead, and Topeka was unable to find the equalizer as Wichita Falls grabs a 2-0 series lead and maintains home ice advantage.
The series now moves to Topeka for Game 3 on Monday night at 7:05 pm, as the Wildcats hope to maintain their perfect 5-0 postseason record and clinch the series. Game 4, if needed, will be played Tuesday, also in Topeka.
North American Hockey League Stories from May 1, 2016
- Wings Tender Logan Jenuwine - Aberdeen Wings
- 'Runners Stumble in Game 2, Now Face Elimination - Topeka Pilots
- Carreras' OT Goal Gives Rebels 4-3 Victory - Philadelphia Rebels
- Wood's Big Night Keys Bobcats' Game Two Victory - Bismarck Bobcats
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