There would be no come-from-behind drama on this night for the RoadRunners who jumped out to an early first period lead and never looked back, completing the weekend sweep in Amarillo by defeating the Bulls by a score of 7-1.
Determined to not fall in a first period hole for the second night in a row, the RoadRunners brought a spirited attack from the opening faceoff. A Bulls bench minor for too many men on the ice gave Topeka a power play chance that Daniel Rzavsky converted, set up by a crossing pass from Mike Gornall at 8:53. At 13:47, Daniel Brickley unleashed a crisp wrister from the left point that pierced the top corner for a 2-0 Topeka lead that stood at the end of the frame.
The second period featured more of the same. Numerous penalties on both sides, and solid pressure from Topeka. Beau Dommer took advantage of an unfortunate decision by Bulls goalie Jacob Weatherly to play a puck near the hash marks, allowing Dommer to fire the puck into the abandoned net for a 3-0 lead at 4:25. Daniel Rzavsky rocketed his 2nd power play goal of the night at 10:06 for a 4-0 lead, prompting the second Amarillo goalie change in as many nights. Then at 18:11, Jasen Fernsler set up the red hot Cam Strong for his third goal of the weekend and a 5-0 RoadRunner lead that stood at the end of the 2nd period.
The game deteriorated in the third period with a barrage of penalties and ejections. During a 5-on-3 power play, Daniel Brickley rocketed his second goal of the night from the point at 6:27 for a 6-0 lead. Amarillo got their lone highlight when Will Harrison lifted a one-timer on the power play into the top corner at 12:07, but :15 seconds later Yu Hikosaka raced through the neutral zone, hit the brakes and ripped a wrister high on the glove side for the 7-1 margin that ended up being the final. In four games this season, the Bulls are without an even strength goal against the 'Runners.
Topeka (15-2-1) will head off to North Richland Hills, TX to face the well-rested Lone Star Brahmas (8-4-1) for the first time this season on Friday and Saturday. Get ready for the series at the RoadRunners Coach's Show this Tuesday night (6pm) at the Blind Tiger Restaurant & Brewery. And next weekend, fans can see the games live at the Official Away Game Viewing Parties.