'Stingy' RoadRunners Top Amrillo 4-1
December 3, 2015 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
Giving up only nine shots on goal and firing in four goals on 39 shots, Topeka won its sixth straight game Wednesday night, defeating Amarillo 4-1 at Landon Arena.
Topeka's defense limited Amarillo (5-18-3) to very few scoring chances, allowing only three shots in each period.
"We've been working really hard in practice, especially defensively," RoadRunners coach Scott Langer said. "Our guys understand now that defensive hockey wins games. When you're playing stingy hockey, you have a chance every night."
Forward Matt Jennings opened the scoring for the RoadRunners (16-11-0) at 5:12 of the first period. He came in on the left wing and raced in on a breakaway and scored on a backhander that got past Anton Martinsson.
Just eight seconds later, forward Dominic Lutz found himself in the slot, grabbed a loose puck, and beat Martinsson glove-side high to make it 2-0. Forward Cam Strong and Jennings grabbed assists on the second goal.
Topeka defenseman Ryan Hutchinson and Amarillo forward Jon Evans dropped the gloves early in the second period, with each player getting a four-minute double minor for roughing. The fisticuffs were broken up quickly with Hutchinson taken to the ice and Evans landing several punches while he was down.
Topeka expanded its lead to three with a goal at 5:42 of the second period. Forward Marcus Russell took a great cross-ice pass from forward JB Baker and slapped in a shot from the right wing.
"We've just seemed to find each other on the ice here lately," Russell said. "It's nice playing with a line who's willing to share the puck."
Hutchinson and Evans had their rematch near center ice at 7:10, with both players landing a number of strong punches, firing up the fans and players on each team before they were separated.
For Hutchinson, it was his second fight of the season. He now leads Topeka with 62 penalty minutes
An ugly play led to a five-minute RoadRunner power play at 12:28. Amarillo forward Trent Dillinger was whistled for a major penalty for head contact on Baker, giving Topeka a long power play, which it could not convert on.
Baker appeared in pain but was able to skate off the ice on his own power.
Amarillo (5-18-3) 0 0 1 - 1
Topeka (16-11-0) 2 1 1 - 4
First period - 1. Topeka, Jennings (unassisted), 5:12. 2. Topeka, Lutz (Strong, Jennings), 5:20.
Second period - 3. Topeka, Russell (Baker, O'Connor), 5:42.
Third period - 4. Topeka, Russell (Baker), :10. 1. Amarillo, Lundgren (Forman, Singerhouse), 12:21.
Shots on goal - Amarilo 3-3-3-9 - 9. Topeka 8-18-13 - 39.
Goalies: Amarillo, Martinsson, Weatherly. Topeka, Niku.
Attendance - 926
Stars of the game - First star: Ryan Hutchinson. Second star: Marcus Russell. Third star: Ryan O'Connor
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