TOPEKA TAKES TWO OF THREE AGAINST TEXAS

Dec 15, 2014

Riding high off a uccessful NAHL Showcase appearance, the Capitals returned to Landon Arena to face division rival Texas. When the dust settled, the Caps had secured five points in the standings and another series victory.

On Friday afternoon, the Capitals jumped on the board first at 5:11 of the opening period as Dylan Wattles split the pipes (assisted by Alex Johanson and Alex Sauer) to take a lead that they would not relinquish. Hank Roers would fire in the next score and Kyle Rimbach tallied the final two to secure a 4-2 victory. Steve MacIver, Tre Opack, Benton Deanovich, and Igor Valko added assists in a game marred only by two ineffectual Texas goals. Netminder Bailey Aust was nontheless strong, defending 26 of 28 shots on goal for his seventh victory of the season.

Saturday's game was not so easy. Down by two entering the second period, the Capitals roared back to tie the score with goals by Kyle Rimbach (assisted by Dylan Wattles and Hank Roers) and Tre Kautzman (assisted by Tre Opack and Alex Sauer). After a scoreless third, the two teams went into overtime where, with 1:50 remaining on the clock, Rimbach struck again with an unassisted game winner that lifted the team to a 3-2 win. Jacob Pelton moved to 6-2-0 in net after denying 25 of 27 shots.

Both teams scored a goal in each period Sunday morning to send the game into overtime once again. Neither was able light the lamp in the opening frame, resulting in a decisive shootout. The Caps held a 2-1 edge after Alex Sauer and Hank Roers successfully converted their penalty shots but Texas would make four straight, eventually winning the shootout and the game 4-3. Despite the overtime loss, the Capitals emerged from the series as only the third team in the NA3HL with 20 wins and moved their home record into the black at 7-5-3.

The Capitals are back in action this weekend against the first place Nashville Junior Predators. The games begin at 7pm this friday and Saturday night. Tickets are only $5 and parking will be free. For more information, call 785-286-PUCK or visit the Expocentre Box Office.