Mavs Monday: KC Makes Headway In Division With Weekend Sweep Of Wichita

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The Kansas City Mavericks gained significant ground in the Mountain Division standings and now sit just five points out of playoff position after a thrilling weekend sweep of rival Wichita Thunder over Thanksgiving weekend. After Friday’s game was postponed due to unplayable conditions, the Mavericks won Saturday in overtime on a goal from rookie blueliner Zach Osburn. Friday’s postponed game continued Sunday afternoon and the Mavs left no doubt, leaving Wichita with a 6-2 win and four points on the weekend.

Last Week’s ActionSat. 11/30: 4-3 (OT) W at WichitaSun. 12/1: 6-2 W at Wichita

This Week’s ScheduleFri. 12/6: vs. Wichita ThunderSat. 12/7: vs. Fort Wayne KometsSun. 12/8: at Wichita Thunder

Mountain Division Standings1. Rapid City Rush (14-5-3-0, 31 points)2. Allen Americans (14-4-2-0, 30 points)3. Idaho Steelheads (11-7-2-2, 26 points)4. Wichita Thunder (9-7-5-0, 23 points)5. Tulsa Oilers (9-12-2-0, 20 points)6. Utah Grizzlies (8-8-2-1, 19 points)7. Kansas City Mavericks (8-9-2-0, 18 points)

Loaded SlateThe Mavericks kick off four games in five days this Friday, starting with a home game against the Wichita Thunder. On Saturday, the Mavericks welcome Fort Wayne to town for the annual Teddy Bear Toss and Marvel Super Hero Night. The Mavs travel to Wichita Sunday afternoon and then return home next week for a game against the Indy Fuel on Tuesday night

Pushing The LimitThe Mavericks are 2-0 in overtime against the Wichita Thunder this season.

Vanny ReturnsMavericks forward Ryan Van Stralen tormented his former team all weekend, scoring four goals against the Thunder Saturday and Sunday and posting a plus-three plus-minus rating.

Four-In-FiveThe Mavericks will play their first “four in five” set of games this season starting this Friday against Wichita. The Mavs play the Fort Wayne Komets Saturday, then travel to Wichita for a Sunday matinee against the Thunder and will host the Indy Fuel on Tuesday to round out the flurry of games before traveling to Florida to face the Florida Everblades and Orlando Solar Bears.

Year Over YearWith a win on Sunday, Mavericks goaltender Nick Schneider tied his win total from last season, notching his seventh win of the young season.

Rookie ContributionsAfter surprising many during training camp and the preseason, Mavericks rookie forward Bryan Lemos has been an instant contributor in his first pro season. Lemos has 11 points on four goals and seven assists after a three-assist performance against Wichita on Sunday. 

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