KC Mavericks update: Big week ahead as Mavs climb in standings

The Kansas City Mavericks wrapped up one of their toughest and busiest weeks of the season, with five games in six days — including four games against teams currently in the playoff picture.

Tuesday’s game against the Wichita Thunder was Kansas City’s fourth matchup with Wichita in the month of February, with the Mavs winning the three prior. Captain Nick Pastujov scored the first period’s only goal for his 13th of the season. After a Wichita goal late in the second frame, Kansas City ran away with the contest.

Luke Stevens, Keeghan Howdeshell and Cole Coskey scored to hand Kansas City a 4-1 victory.

A quick turnaround followed as the team traveled to Iowa for its ninth and final meeting with the Heartlanders this season on Wednesday night. The Mavericks fell into a quick 2-0 hole in the first period until four-straight goals over the next period and a half from Pascal Laberge, Joshua Lammon, Coskey and Pastujov gave the team a 4-2 advantage with eight minutes remaining.

Iowa answered back with back-to-back goals within a 38-second period to eventually force overtime. It was Laberge with his second of the game in the first minute of overtime to send the Mavericks back to Kansas City with a 5-4 victory and their eighth victory of the season against Iowa. Kansas City had a three-game winning streak for the second time in four weeks as it continued to climb up the standings.

Goaltender Dillon Kelley recorded his third win in as many games and lowered his goals-allowed average by 1.22 in those three contests. Additionally, picking up an assist on the night was Hugo Roy, who was playing in his 200th professional contest.

Friday saw a visit from the first-place Idaho Steelheads. With a goal from Idaho and two more from Laberge — for his second two-goal game in as many nights — the Mavericks entered the second period with a 2-1 lead. Idaho then took control of the rest of the contest, scoring four unanswered to secure a 5-2 victory.

Saturday the two teams matched up again during Mascot Madness Night, with mascots from all over the metro area getting fans fired up with different challenges.

Idaho’s lone goal of the game came 27 seconds after the puck drop.

After not playing the night before, veteran John Schiavo scored two goals of his own in the remainder of the first period to give the Mavericks a multi-goal scorer in three straight games. A dominating performance from Shane Starrett helped give the Mavericks the victory as the Massachusetts native stopped 35 of 36 shots faced.

The Mavericks headed into the Sunday matinee with a 2-1 victory over the ECHL leaders.

Sunday’s finale against Idaho was a nail-biter. Defenseman Jake McLaughlin scored his first goal since returning from the AHL followed one period later by Pastujov — who moved into seventh place in franchise history in goals scored.

Idaho added two goals early in the third period to force overtime. After a number of huge saves by Kelley, the scoreless game went to a shootout — the first for Kansas City this season.

Unfortunately for the Mavericks, the best-of-three shootout went Idaho’s way and Kansas City fell to the ECHL leaders, 3-2.

After the strong weekend in which they picked up seven of a possible 10 points, the Mavericks currently sit 26-22-6-1 (59 points) and in second place in the Mountain Division in prime playoff position with 17 games remaining.

MILESTONE VICTORY

Saturday’s victory over Idaho was not only huge for the playoff standings, but also for a Mavs player. By saving 35 shots in the win, goaltender Shane Starrett picked up victory No. 100 for his professional career across the ECHL, AHL and EIHL (United Kingdom).

NEXT UP

The Mavericks get some much-needed rest this upcoming week and won’t be back in game action until Friday, when the team heads to Utah for a three-game weekend series against the Utah Grizzlies. Kansas City returns to Cable Dahmer Arena against Wichita on Friday, March 17, at 7:05 PM.

Visit kcmavericks.com or call 816-252-7825 for tickets.