Big Second Period Lifts Runners 5-3
For a second there, it looked like Topeka was going to struggle to put up points in their game against Odessa tonight. That second passed and the second period began. What culminated was a furious stretch lasting only two minutes where the RoadRunners took a commanding lead and held on for victory 5-3.
Chad Guderian led the charge for Odessa, scoring the first period's only goal at 4:31. The RoadRunners found themselves unable to capitalize on two power play opportunities and the score was 1-0 Jackalopes heading into the second.
At 3:50 in the deciding frame, the dam broke for the Runners. Cody Champagne commenced the onslaught (assisted by Jake Kamrass and Tyler Groat) by cashing in on a man advantage to even the score. Fifty-seven seconds later, Ryan Polin scored unassisted to give Topeka the lead. Twenty-five seconds after that, James Ring found space beneath Eric Hancock's legs to make it 3-1 Runners. Then a whole 38 seconds passed until Polin struck again (unassisted at 5:50), capping the deluge with a netter that put the visitors up by three.
Jefferson Martin cut it to 4-2 at 16:30 in the second before Jake Kamrass restored the three-point edge (assisted by Groat and Shawn Brennan at 18:50) to end the period. The scoring concluded in the third off the blade of Trace Jablin, closing the score to its final tally of 5-3 leaving the Runners victorious for the second straight game.
Both teams wrap up the three-game series Saturday night at 7pm. Fans in Topeka can see all the action at the RoadRunners Away Game Viewing Party at the Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant but are advised to arrive early as seats are limited. All RoadRunners games are broadcast live on Sports Radio 1490 KTOP in Topeka. For more information on tickets to upcoming games, call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekaroadrunners.com.