KC Mavericks update: Team remains in playoff contention despite disappointing weekend
The Kansas City Mavericks dropped two games over the weekend but remain in favorable position in the standings.
Saturday’s contest at division-rival Wichita saw the Mavericks give up a goal two minutes in. The second period was even less kind to the visiting Mavs: The Thunder scored four times and led 5-0 entering the third period.
Forward Loren Ulett got the Mavericks on the board in the final frame, but Wichita answered with two more and won 7-1.
Sunday brought the Mavericks their first home matinee of the season. Facing the Allen Americans, it was another slow start for KC: The visitors put three goals on the board in the first 10 minutes. Allen added another early in the second period and KC trailed 4-0.
Late in the second period, Cable Dahmer Arena’s goal horn was put to work. In a two-minute stretch, Mavericks forward Hugo Roy, All-Star Jeremy McKenna and alternate captain Joshua Lammon each scored to make it 4-3 game as the third period began.
Allen’s Hank Crone scored quickly in the third period to give the Americans a two-goal cushion. Forward Pascal Laberge pulled the Mavericks within one with his 11th goal of the season, but that was it as KC lost 5-4.
One game from the season’s midpoint, the Mavericks are 16-14-5 (37 points), good for fourth place in the Mountain Division. If the postseason started today, KC would be in the mix with multiple games in hand on the three teams currently ranked higher in the standings: Wichita and Rapid City have each played 39 games this season, KC 35.
LABERGE’S STREAK
Pascal Laberge has recorded at least one point in seven straight games. Dating to Jan. 6, he’s scored four goals with five assists.
NEXT UP
The Mavericks travel to Allen for a rematch with the Americans Wednesday night. KC then returns to Cable Dahmer Arena for games Friday and Saturday nights against the Wheeling Nailers.
Saturday is Military Appreciation Night: The Mavs will wear special uniforms that will be auctioned off after game. All members of the military can purchase $20 tickets with appropriate ID.
Visit kcmavericks.com or call 816-252-7825 for tickets to home games.