Mavs closing in on ECHL playoff berth with 9 games remaining: KC Mavericks update

The Kansas City Mavericks picked up two huge victories over the weekend and inched their way closer to a playoff spot with just nine regular-season games remaining.

The team went 2-1-0 against Tulsa in three consecutive games against their division rivals.

Friday’s game at Cable Dahmer Arena was played in front of one of the best crowds of the season with playoff positioning on the line. The Mavericks got on the board early with a goal from defenseman Theo Calvas, marking his career-high seventh of the season.

Tulsa answered back moments later, but at the beginning of the second period, Tommy Muck — who moved into 10th place in franchise history in games played — put the Mavs back out in front, but only briefly. Tulsa tied the game at 2 entering the third period.

After missed opportunities from both teams for the majority of the final frame, Cole Coskey stepped up in his first game since returning to the Mavericks from an AHL call-up. Coskey netted the game-winner with under five minutes to play for his 17th goal of the season and second game-winner of the year.

Saturday night did not go Kansas City’s way. On an evening they inducted former player and coach John-Scott Dickson as the inaugural member of the Mavericks Ring of Honor, Tulsa jumped out to a quick 4-1 lead through two periods. Kansas City made a strong comeback push in the third period from Cole Coskey — his second goal in as many nights — and Ryan Harrison, but Tulsa held on for the 4-3 victory.

Sunday was the rubber match between the two clubs as the Mavericks hit the road for a matinee in Tulsa.

In his second week as a member of the Mavericks, Mathieu Foget scored his second goal in as many nights to get Kansas City on the board first. Alternate captain Joshua Lammon was next on the scoring list with his 10th goal of the season, and the Mavericks entered the third period with a 2-0 lead.

Tulsa picked up a quick goal early in the third, but rookie A.J. Vanderbeck, playing in his second professional game, scored his first career goal to give the Mavericks another two-goal cushion. After Tulsa scored late in the period and pulled their goaltender while on the power play to gain an extra attacker, it was Lammon again who scored the insurance goal — his team-leading fourth shorthanded goal this season — to give the Mavericks the 4-2 victory.

Two KC rookies were among KC’s top performers, with goals from Vanderbeck and Casey Carreau, who has picked up a goal or an assist in four of his first five pro contests.

Kansas City is currently tied for second place in the Mountain Division with a record of 29-26-6-2 (66 points) with nine games remaining in the regular season.

PLAYOFF TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK

Tickets for all four potential Mavericks Round 1 home playoff games will go on sale Wednesday at noon. Visit kcmavericks.com or call 816-252-7825 to secure your spot at Cable Dahmer Arena.

O’HAD SECURED FOR THE LONG TERM

The Mavericks announced a two-year contract extension with general manager and head coach Tad O’Had.

“This is a well-earned extension for Tad,” said Mavericks owner Lamar Hunt Jr. “As both the general manager and head coach, Tad has earned respect throughout all levels of hockey, especially within our NHL and AHL affiliations.”

O’Had has the Mavericks in second place in the division and in the thick of the playoff push as the regular season winds down.

OH, AND O’HAD REACHES A MILESTONE

O’Had also reached a huge milestone over the weekend.

O’Had was behind the bench Saturday for his 700th professional game as an assistant or head coach. The Yakima, Wash., native is in his third season in KC after spending the previous seven as an assistant coach with the Florida Everblades.

NEXT UP

The Mavericks have a huge road trip this week, with three games at ECHL-leading Idaho on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The team is back at Cable Dahmer Arena on Tuesday, April 4 against Rapid City at 7:05 p.m.

Visit kcmavericks.com or call 816-252-7825 for tickets.

This story was originally published March 27, 2023 at 4:22 PM.