COMEBACK FALLS SHORT IN BLOOMINGTON

January 20, 2012                                                                                               

MAVERICKS LATE COMEBACK FALLS SHORT VS. BLOOMINGTON, 3-2

Win streak snapped at four games

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois – The Bloomington Blaze scored three goals in the third period and held on to win, 3-2, over the Missouri Mavericks Friday night at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.  Missouri scored two goals late in the third period, but their comeback fell short as the Mavericks (20-14-3) will head home to host the Blaze Saturday night at Independence Events Center.  Mavericks’ forward Patrick Schafer had a goal and an assist in the loss and goaltender Charlie Effinger stopped 33 shots for his first loss in five games.

“Not our best hockey game, but everybody worked hard,” said Mavericks’ Head Coach Scott Hillman.  “Today was the longest trip we have ever had on the day of a game, but we will be refocused for home ice.”

The teams skated to a scoreless and penalty free first period.  The Mavericks had the lead on the shot chart outshooting Bloomington 13-9.

For the first time this season, the Mavericks and their opponent were scoreless after two periods.  There were a total of five penalties called in the period and Missouri killed all three of Bloomington’s power plays, but went 0-for-2 on the power play.  The Blaze outshot the Mavericks 16-6 in the period, but Effinger was equal to the task on all 16 Blaze shots.

Luke Popko unlocked the scoreless tie at the 9:57 mark of the third period on a wraparound goal.  He was assisted Aaron Dawson and Craig Cescon.  It marked the first goal the Blaze have scored against the Mavericks this season spanning a total of 169:57.  Jason Dale made it 2-0 at the 13:19 mark on a two-on-one goal.  Jerry Pollastrone and Vladimir Nikiforov assisted.  The Mavericks pulled Effinger in favor of an extra attacker while Missouri was on the power play late in the third period.  As the power play ended, Nikiforov scored an empty net goal to make it 3-0 with 2:13 remaining in regulation.

The Mavericks didn’t quit and Patrick Schafer broke the shutout bid for the Blaze on a rush to the net.  The goal at the 18:15 mark was assisted my Mavericks’ newcomer Andrew Favot.  Then John-Scott Dickson scored in a scrum in front of the net with the extra attacker with 31 seconds remaining.  Cole Ruwe and Schafer assisted on the goal, but that was as close as the Mavericks would get.  Missouri was unable to score the equalizer in the final 31 seconds and the Blaze skated to a victory over the Mavericks for their first win over Missouri this season.

Both teams finished 0-for-3 on the power play and the Blaze outshot the Mavericks 36-33.

The Mavericks return home tomorrow, Saturday, January 21 to start a season-long seven game home stand at Independence Events Center.  Tickets for all regular season games are on sale via www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.  For more information on the Missouri Mavericks call (816) 252-7825.