Swept by Fort Wayne Komets, Kansas City Mavericks are off to Rapid City this week
The Kansas City Mavericks played host to the Fort Wayne Komets in an intense two-game series this past weekend at Cable Dahmer Arena, losing both games but earning one point in the league standings in the process.
Despite falling short both Friday and Saturday, the Mavericks showed tenacity, especially in a tightly contested shootout loss.
The team now sits in second place in the ECHL Mountain Division standings ahead of a crucial road series against the Rapid City Rush in Rapid City, South Dakota (more on that below).
Showcasing the Mavericks’ strong first month of the season, forward Max Andreev was named ECHL Plus Player of the Month for October with an impressive +9 plus/minus rating.
Friday: Komets test Mavs’ defense
Fort Wayne set the pace early in Friday’s game.
Brannon McManus opened the scoring for the Komets at 6:50 in the first period. That was followed by a goal from Justin Taylor early in the second to put KC in a 2-0 hole.
The Mavericks fought back, though, with Cade Borchardt scoring his fifth goal of the season off assists from Marcus Crawford and Max Andreev at 13:17 in the second. That made it 2-1.
Fort Wayne responded soon after, with Taylor netting his second of the night. The Komets led 3-1 going into the final frame.
Fort Wayne’s Connor Corcoran sealed the victory with a third-period goal despite a solid effort from Mavericks goaltender Victor Ostman, who faced 39 shots and made 35 saves.
Saturday: Comeback ends in shootout
Saturday night’s rematch brought intense back-and-forth action and saw the Mavericks play a resilient game that culminated in a nail-biting shootout.
Damien Giroux struck first for Kansas City late in the first period, assisted by Charlie Wright and Nate Knoepke. Fort Wayne’s Anthony Petruzzelli responded just two minutes later, tying the game 1-1 before the first intermission.
Petruzzelli scored again in the second period to put the Komets up 2-1, but KC continued to press. Max Andreev scored just over a minute into the third period, with Landon McCallum assisting. That made it 2-2.
Fort Wayne regained the lead on an Ethan Keppen goal midway through the third, only for David Noel to tie it up in dramatic fashion with just 22 seconds left in regulation. Pascal Laberge and McCallum assisted on Noel’s goal.
The Mavericks looked good in a scoreless overtime but fell short in the shootout, losing the game 4-3. Jack LaFontaine finished the contest with 29 saves.
Up Next: Road series in Rapid City
The Mavericks look to build on their strong start as they hit the road to face the Rapid City Rush in a three-game series at Rapid City, S.D.
Games are set for Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
This story was originally published November 4, 2024 at 10:12 AM.