Blues Best Birds In Shootout 1-0
It was a long night at Landon Arena. Particularly for fans of offense. The refs waved off five goals in regulation and the scoreless contest was decided by three Springfield penalty shots, leaving the RoadRunners on the wrong side of the final 1-0.
The first period featured two non-goals as each team found the back of the net only to see the officials take them away. In the second, the Runners scored twice more but the referees felt otherwise and the game remained scoreless after two. Another Topeka goal was waved off in the third and the game bled into sudden death overtime.
The goose eggs on the scoreboard were also due in part to some amazing work between the pipes by both goalies. Springfield’s Stefanos Lekkas stopped 45 shots (plus three in the shootout) on a night where he was besieged by pucks, the Runners creating a ton of opportunities without success. Drew Vogler had a strong night as well with 28 saves but was unable to wall off the goal in the shootout, allowing three of four penalty shots to find the back of the net.
The Runners return to Landon Arena next weekend to take on the Wichita Falls Wildcats. Saturday night is Scout Night with the Runners. For ticket purchases to help benefit the Scouts, contact the Jayhawk Area Council. For all other tickets and game information, call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekaroadrunners.com.