Third-Period Surge for Toledo

After forty minutes of tight, scoreless hockey, Toledo found the back of the net twice in a 20-second span early in the third period to take a 2-0 win over the Kansas City Mavericks on the road.

The breakthrough came at 2:51 of the final frame when Matt Anderson opened the scoring off a clean assist from Carson Bantle. Before Kansas City could recover, Cole Gallant doubled the lead at 3:11 with a quick finish set up by Dylan Moulton. The sudden momentum shift stunned the home crowd and gave the Walleye full control of the game.

From that point on, Toledo focused on closing things out. Strong defensive play and steady goaltending kept Kansas City off the scoreboard, helping Toledo secure the shutout and an early series lead. The Walleye stayed composed under pressure, clearing rebounds efficiently and limiting second-chance looks. Their commitment to blocking shots and winning battles along the boards made it difficult for the Mavericks to build any sustained pressure.

Both teams brought physical energy, with six total penalties throughout the night. Kansas City’s Jimmy Mazza was sent off for hooking in the first period, while a brief scuffle led to offsetting roughing calls on Jalen Smereck and David Cotton. Smereck later served a holding-the-stick minor in the second, and Moulton was penalized for interference in the third. Despite those moments, Toledo’s penalty kill remained sharp and effective, consistently disrupting passing lanes and forcing Kansas City into low-percentage shots.

Toledo’s goaltender stood tall when it mattered most, turning away every opportunity and preserving the team’s lead through a tense final stretch. While the offense will get credit for the sudden spark in the third, the full-team effort on defense was just as crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the series.

Toledo now leads the best-of-seven series one game to none and carries the momentum into Game 2, looking to build on a disciplined and explosive performance. If the Walleye can continue balancing patience with opportunistic bursts, they’ll be a tough team to crack as the postseason rolls on.