Mavericks stumble out of the gates

INDEPENDENCE , Missouri — The Missouri Mavericks began their inaugural season with a proverbial thud, losing their first five games by an average of more than three goals per game.  

While the goal scoring hasn’t exactly been prolific, the two main areas of concern during this skid have been defense and discipline. During this five-game losing streak, the Mavericks were giving up an average of five goals per game, just over 34 shots per game and allowing just under 7.5 power play opportunities per game, while only killing 75% of those opportunities.
While one can be quick to point the dreaded finger of blame towards the defense, the offense hasn’t exactly carried its share of the load either. During the five-game skid, the offense has only managed to muster nine goals or 1.8 goals per game. Also, the Mavericks’ power play successfully converted only four of 32 chances in the first five games (12.5%) and an even worse clip of four out of 40 chances through the first seven games (10%). The lack of production from both the offense and defense is a recipe for disaster and usually leads to long losing streaks.
However, the Mavericks seemed to have started to turn a corner. Only time (and wins) will tell if they continue on the right track. The Mavericks have bounced back to win back-to-back contests, both against the Wichita Thunder, while appearing to piece things together on both sides of the puck. They scored eight goals in their two victories, led by veterans Chad Hinz and Jeff Christian, who have combined for 12 points (5 G, 7 A) in the team’s first seven games.  
The defense has taken a dramatic turn for the better as well during these two victories, having allowed only one goal and only 47 shots on goal. Goalie Doug Groenestege stopped 46 of those 47 shots, and was named the CHL’s Goaltender of the Week. Special teams failed to score a goal during eight power play opportunities but managed to kill off 12 Wichita opportunities. 
The Mavericks take on the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees on Friday and Saturday to complete a nine-game road trip before returning to Independence. Their home opener, the inaugural event of their brand new arena, the Independence Events Center, takes place on Friday November 13^th against the Wichita Thunder.
Contact the author at joe.rozycki@prohockeynews.com