WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Thunder defended a narrow lead for nearly 40 minutes to earn a 2-1 victory over the visiting Missouri Mavericks Wednesday night at the Intrust Bank Arena.
Matt Robinson’s power play goal 54 seconds into the middle frame proved to be the game-winner, giving Wichita a 1-0 series lead in the opening round of the 2011 Central Hockey League playoffs.
Marc-Antoine Gelinas earned a win in his professional post-season debut, saving 23 of 24 shots faced, while Robby Nolan, who was recently selected as the league’s Most Outstanding Goalie took the loss.
The win was the first post-season triumph for the Thunder since April 4, 2007 when they beat the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 4-1 while the Mavericks suffered their fifth straight playoff defeat, having scored a single goal in four of those five losses. A combined seven shots on goal between the two clubs reflected the defensive battle that opened the first 10 minutes of play. The Mavericks failed to convert an early opportunity when a board checking call on AJ Gale just 24 seconds into the frame provided a man-advantage.
The Thunder’s Troy Schwab broke the deadlock at the 12:57 mark, tallying the first goal of the playoffs, assisted by Jesse Bennefield and Daniel Tetrault. Schwab worked the puck out from behind the Mavericks’ net and into the right circle before turning and shooting over Rob Nolan’s left shoulder.
Bennefield and Gale sent additional shots towards Nolan before the Mavericks’ rookie forward Brandon Coccimiglio managed to solve Gelinas, scoring the equalizer with 3:46 remaining on a high shot off a rebound from the slot.
Both sides managed an additional four shots before the buzzer sounded and while Wichita had the 11-10 shot advantage, the game was knotted at 1-1 heading into the first intermission.
Mavericks defenseman Blake Forsyth was called for tripping just 22 seconds into the second frame, giving the Thunder their first power play opportunity of the game. Wichita converted 32 seconds later when Matt Robinson scored , shooting from the bottom of the right circle past Nolan’s left side. A.J. Gale and Aaron Davis were credited with the assists and the Thunder took a 2-1 lead.
Missouri received two additional minor penalties but managed to kill off both Wichita advantages. Gelinas, supported by the Thunder defense, shut down Missouri over the final 39 minutes of the game, holding them to 14 shots.
The Thunder out shot the Mavericks 8-5 in the middle period, which ended with a shove fest featuring Wichita’s Andrew Martens and Lance Galbraith versus Missouri’s Nick Sirota and Steve Later. Roughing calls were assessed all around, with Galbraith earning a double minor.
The Mavericks were unable to score on the ensuing power play which opened the final period.
The Thunder had a minor scare with just under two minutes remaining in regulation when Sirota’s shot from the point bounced off the left post and then back to the point. The goal light was briefly lit, but the officials quickly waved off the goal, later affirming their call after consulting the goal judge.
Missouri had a 9-5 shot advantage in the final 20 while Wichita prevented the Mavericks from taking any shots with an extra attacker during the game’s final minute and was able to close out the win. Shots in the game ended even at 24 apiece.
Missouri finished 0-for-4 on the man-advantage while the Thunder went 1-for-4, their solitary power play goal proving to be the difference in the contest. Arena availability resulted in the Thunder getting the first home game in the odd 1-2-1-1 format. Wichita takes the 1-0 series lead to Missouri where the teams will play games two and three this Friday and Saturday nights at the Independence Events Center. Contact the writer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at daniel.russell@prohockeynews.com
