Zilisch Nets Game-Winner, Pilots Down Brahmas 4-1
November 2, 2019 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
With strong special teams play and stout goaltending, the Topeka Pilots got it done Friday against the Lone Star Brahmas.
Topeka (13-4-2) held Lone Star (12-4-1) scoreless on five powerplay opportunities and picked up a timely powerplay goal of their own late in the second period off the stick of forward Connor Zilisch, to take a 2-1 lead into the last 20 minutes.
Then, in the third period, the Pilots added two insurance tallies from forwards Kaiden Scott and Alexander Oberg, winning 4-1 at Landon Arena.
Against a prolific Brahmas powerplay that ranked second in the NAHL coming into the contest, Pilots head coach Simon Watson said special teams made a huge difference in Friday's game.
"We knew with how well they (Lone Star) are coached and structured that the game would be a battle," Watson said. "We held to our game plan, and then special teams really made the difference."
And for the Pilots, whose powerplay has struggled a bit out of the gate this season, tallying a goal on the man-advantage was crucial.
"We were able to get one there on the powerplay, almost two with one of the goals coming as a penalty expired," Watson said. "That was a big confidence boost for our group."
The game-winning goal was scored on the powerplay at 19:11 of the second period. Forward Connor Zilisch deflected a shot from defenseman Luc Salem past goaltender Cayden Bailey, putting the Pilots up 2-1 heading into the third.
"It was a defensive game, so any time a powerplay chance comes, we want to take advantage," Watson said.
Forward Quinn Green opened the scoring in the first period, knocking a no-look backhander past Bailey at 8:36 of the first. Green's tally was his fifth of the season.
Lone Star responded back at 17:55, with forward Noah Roofe netting his fourth of the season, beating goaltender Guy Blessing. Blessing stopped 22 of 23 shots on the evening, to improve to 4-1-0.
The game remained even until Zilisch's goal broke the tie late in the second period.
Scott gave the Pilots some breathing room, with his one-timer from the slot beating Bailey. Forward Matthew Francois earned the primary assist, dishing a pass to Scott from behind the net, who rifled it home.
Oberg then put it away late, netting a shorthanded emptynet goal at 19:13 to make it 4-1 Pilots.
The two teams tangle again at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night on Military Appreciation Night. All active or past military members can purchase $5 tickets, with a valid military ID.
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