Walleye Bite Back in Game 4

The Toledo Walleye continued their postseason dominance when opening the scoring, improving to a perfect 7-0 when netting the first goal. With a commanding 4-1 win over the Kansas City Mavericks in Game 4, the Walleye now hold a 3-1 series lead heading into a potential series-clinching Game 5 on Saturday in Toledo.

After a scoreless first period, Toledo exploded in the second with a relentless offensive push. Colin Swoyer got things going at 3:13, and the Walleye didn’t look back. Conlan Keenan added another just five minutes later, and Nick Andrews made it 3-0 by the 12-minute mark, capitalizing on a Kansas City defense that struggled to reset between shifts.

The Walleye controlled the pace with sharp puck movement, sustained zone time, and a consistent forecheck that kept the Mavericks off balance. Kansas City had their chances, including a penalty shot in the first period, but couldn’t solve Jack LaFontaine, who made timely saves to protect the early lead.

The game turned even more physical as it progressed. A combined 13 penalties were assessed, including roughing, slashing, and a 10-minute misconduct for inciting as frustrations boiled over late in the third. Despite the chaos, Toledo remained in control, extending their lead to 4-0 with a Trenton Bliss goal at 14:02 of the final frame.

Kansas City finally broke through at 15:30 with a goal from Luke Loheit, but the damage had already been done. Toledo’s structured play, discipline with the puck, and early scoring surge were too much for the Mavericks to overcome.

With the win, Toledo now holds a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and will look to punch their ticket to the Kelly Cup Final on home ice in Game 5 on Saturday at the Huntington Center.