The Springfield Jr. Blues couldn’t hold on to a 2-1 lead, surrendering 3 goals in the third period, dropping the opening game of the weekend series with the Topeka Roadrunners by a score of 4-3.
After a scoreless first period, Topeka opened the scoring just 3 minutes and 32 seconds into the second period. Trailing 1-0, Springfield received a power play opportunity when a Topeka player went off for hooking. On the power play, Springfield forward Matt Long redirected a shot by defenseman Jack Nickels past the Topeka goaltender to tie the game at 1 with 11:32 remaining in the second period. The goal was Long’s 12th of the season and team-leading 36th point of the year.
Just 4 minutes after Long tied the game, Springfield defenseman Chris Conway blasted a point shot that was saved by the Topeka goaltender. However, Springfield forward Joey Sardina, in his first game with Springfield, put the rebound in the net to give his team a 2-1 lead that they would take into the 3rd period.
The third period was a complete opposite for Springfield, compared to the first two. Topeka scored 2 goals in the first 6 minutes and 32 seconds to take a 3-2 lead. Springfield defenseman Chase Mickelson tied the game up at 3 with a power play goal, but Topeka answered back just three minutes later to re-take the lead at 4-3, which ended up being the final score.
Springfield will be back on the ice tomorrow night at 7:05pm. Fans be sure to download the Springfield Jr. Blues FREE Mobile App to follow along with live updates!
