WICHITA, Kan. – Despite a solid performance from netminder David Shantz, Wichita (4-6-0-0) dropped its second-straight game to Missouri (8-2-0-1) on Sunday afternoon by the final score of 2-1 at INTRUST Bank Arena. Shantz stopped 44 shots, including 21 in the second period to give the Thunder a chance in the contest. Wichita is now 0-4-0-0 against the Mavericks this season in the Independence Cup Series.
Tanner Fritz got the scoring started with four minutes to go in the first period. He got to a loose puck off a broken play in the slot and put it past Shantz for his first of the season and a 1-0 lead.
In the second, the Mavericks added to their lead at 11:39. Rocco Carzo created a turnover in the deep slot, came down on a two-man breakaway, and dished it off to David De Kastrozza for the marker to make it 2-0. With just over three minutes to go, the Thunder finally broke through against Parker Milner to cut the lead to one. Mason Baptista put a shot on net from the left circle that popped up in the air and found its way into the net for his third of the season. Missouri finished the second with 21 shots, but held just a one-goal advantage heading to the dressing room.
The Thunder had several chances to tie the game, but Milner made a few crucial saves down the stretch including one on Peter Sakaris on a breakaway from the top of the circles in. Shantz was lifted twice in the final minute for the extra attacker, but the Mavericks would claim another one-goal victory against the Thunder.
Wichita has lost three of its four games to the Mavericks by just one goal. Baptista recorded his third goal in the last five games and is tied for the team-lead in that category. Huff claimed an assist and has six helpers in the last five games. Shantz suffered his fourth loss of the season, stopping 44 of 46 shots. Milner claimed his third win of the year, stopping 22 of 23 shots on net.
Wichita remained perfect at home on the penalty kill, stopping all four Missouri power plays. The Mavericks did the same as Wichita went 0-for-4 on the man advantage.
The Thunder head back on the road on Tuesday night as they face the Allen Americans for the first time this year at 7:05 p..m.
With Wichita Thunder team release
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