RiverKings Take 2-1 Series Lead
Despite never leading in the game until the final five minutes, the Mississippi RiverKings looked in control for most of the night in their 4-3 win versus Oklahoma City at the Ford Center. The RiverKings take a 2-1 series lead in their best-of-seven battle with the Blazers.
Mississippi/Oklahoma City Box Score
The win moves Mississippi to 5-0 this season at the Ford Center with all five coming via the one-goal win variety.
Oklahoma City played their best period of the night in the opening frame taking a 2-0 lead and outshooting Mississippi 11-6. Jeff MacDermid and D.J. Jelitto scored the goals for the Blazers.
Early in the second period, Mississippi showed they were going to adhere to whatever CHL Coach of the Year Kevin Kaminski instructed in the intermission. Matt Summers scored at the 1:16 mark of the period making the score 2-1 and Andrew Lackner scored at the 14 minute mark on the power play tying the game at two.
The Blazers regained the league, apparently squashing the RiverKings momentum, with Ted Vandermeer scoring in the final two minutes of the period giving OKC a 3-2 the lead after two periods.
In the third period, the RiverKings tied the game at the 3:30 mark with Stephen Margeson scoring the tying goal and then Bobby Chaumont scored the game winner at the 14:53 mark of the final period.
Mississippi outshot the Blazers35-19 in the game allowing just eight shots in the final two periods combined.
Kevin Beech finished with 16 saves taking the win and Doug Groenestege made 31 saves but he was saddled with the loss.
Game Four will be on Thursday night at the Ford Center.