RoadRunners Gain Point In 3-2 Shootout Loss
Springfield (10-9-2) won their sixth game out of their last seven and the RoadRunners (14-4-3) suffered their first back-to-back defeat of the season as a tense shootout ended with the Jr. Blues on top 3-2.
Oliver Takacsi-Nagy and Trevor Stone each scored in the first period, giving Springfield an early 2-0 edge. The Jr. Blues lead made more remarkable by the fact that they only had 4 shots on goal in the period.
The RoadRunners mounted a furious comeback late in the second with goals by Michal Pastor and newly-acquired Cody Hansen coming less than two minutes apart (14:20 and 16:03 respectively). The score would remain 2-2 through the end of regulation.
In overtime, each team killed a penalty and forced the dreaded shootout. Brett Skibba drew first blood for the Jr. Blues on their first attempt and James Ring countered on the RoadRunners second. On Springfield’s fourth attempt, Terry Leabo found the back of the net, laying all of the pressure on the shoulders of Sean Gaffney. The League’s second-leading scorer was unable net the puck, sealing victory for the Jr. Blues.
With Amarillo’s win over Texas, Topeka falls into a tie with the Bulls for second place in the South (2pts behind the Tornado).
The RoadRunners are back at it tonight at 7pm. Fans in Topeka are invited to watch the game at Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant but are reminded to make a reservation or get there early as seats are limited.