KC Mavericks update: Critical week at hand for hockey team’s ECHL playoff positioning
With three games in South Florida against the defending Kelly Cup champion Florida Everblades, the Kansas City Mavericks picked up two huge points over the past week.
The Mavericks jumped to a quick 1-0 lead in the first game last Wednesday with a goal by defenseman Tommy Muck. But the Everblades held a 3-2 lead heading into the final frame. KC forward Cole Coskey tied the game midway through the third, but Florida added the game-winner with under four minutes to play.
On Friday, Florida scored the first four goals, with three coming in the first period. Defenseman Theo Calvas put the Mavericks on the board late in the third period with his fifth goal of the year, but KC lost 4-1 at Hertz Arena.
The Mavericks got some revenge Saturday. Dillon Kelley was in goal for the first time in three weeks and was able to set the tone early, shutting out Florida in the first period. Forward Hugo Roy notched his 12th goal of the season near the end of the opening frame, followed by Calvas’ second goal in as many nights early in the second. Florida added a goal a few minutes later and the Mavericks held a 2-1 lead as the teams entered the third period.
After John Schiavo poked home his third goal of the season, Florida scored to cut KC’s lead to one again. But Luke Stevens scored an empty-net insurance goal and the Mavs won 4-2.
PLAYOFF PUSH
With 22 games remaining, the Mavericks (23-21-6, 52 points) are playoff-eligible — fourth place — in the ECHL Mountain Division. But KC has played at least two fewer games than the three teams above the Mavericks in the standings. The Mavericks have one of the best records at home in the ECHL this season and the upcoming week is critical for playoff positioning down the stretch.
NEXT UP
The Mavericks have home games on Tuesday vs. Wichita and Friday, Saturday and Sunday against the ECHL-leading Idaho Steelheads. Kansas City also has a one-game road trip on Wednesday night at Iowa. With the opportunity to gain eight points at home this week, this will be one of the most important stretches of hockey at Cable Dahmer Arena for the Mavericks in quite some time.
Visit kcmavericks.com or call 816-252-7825 for tickets.