Mallards storm past Thunder 5-3

MOLINE, Ill. – Matt Pohlkamp scored twice for the host Quad City Mallards (14-25-4), who ripped off three first period goals in just 43 seconds on the way to a 5-3 win over the Wichita Thunder (25-16-3) Saturday night. The victory was the Mallards’ third in row, matching their longest winning streak of the season.

Brayden Low gave the Mallards a 1-0 lead and kicked off the first period onslaught by scoring form the slot at 5:51. Just 16 seconds later Alexander Kuqali finished off a 2-on-1 rush to widen the gap to 2-0. At 6:34 Tristan King capped off the early Mallard explosion in a goalmouth scramble.

Pohlkamp struck for both of his goals in the second period. The Mallards were on the power play when he snapped the puck home from the left wing circle at 2:37 of the second. Wichita’s Kevin Dufour cut the deficit to 4-1 from close range at 7:46 but Pohlkamp would reply from a tight angle at the 9:41 mark. After Pohlkamp’s second goal Shane Starrett replaced Thunder starting goaltender Joel Rumpel.

In the third period Wichita goals from Dufour and Jeremy Beaudry reduced the Mallard lead to 5-3. Dufour buried Ralph Cuddemi’s goalmouth feed at 13:27 and Beaudry pounced on a rebound at 15:53 by the Mallards did not allow the Thunder to narrow the margin any further.

The Mallards return to action on home ice next Tuesday night when they complete a game against the Tulsa Oilers that started on November 17 but was suspended during the second period. Admission to the resumed game next Tuesday is free. The game was halted with 12:08 remaining in the second period on November 17 and will be picked up from that point.

The Mallards play their next full game next Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Indy Fuel at the TaxSlayer Center. The Mallards will team with Genesis Health System for Pink in the Rink and will wear special edition pink jerseys in next Friday’s game. The Mallards will also wear the pink sweaters in their home game next Saturday evening at 7:05 p.m.against the Fort Wayne Komets and those jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit the Genesis Health Services Foundation after next Saturday’s tilt.

Next Friday is $2 Beer/$2 Dog Night presented by 97X. $2 hot dogs and beers are available at TaxSlayer Center concession stands during every Friday Mallards home game. Friday is also another MetroLINK College Night. The Mallards have once again partnered with Metro to provide transit service between Augustana College and downtown Moline during Friday home games. As part of Metro’s unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare.