Early goals carry Komets past Mallards

The Fort Wayne Komets built a 3-0 lead and then held on for a 3-2 edge at the iWireless Center at Moline, IL Saturday (April 22) to wrap up its Central Division semi-final series against the host Quad City Mallards in five games.

Trevor Cheek and Jamie Schaafsma scored first period markers for the visiting Komets and Kyle Thomas notched his third of the series 12:14 into the middle frame to widen the gap to 3-0.

Grant Arnold finally got the host Mallards on the board 15 seconds from the end of the second period but Chris Francis’ goal 1:46 into the third suddenly had the Mallards within a shot of tying things up.

Veteran goaltender, Pat Nagle took it from there, stopping 29 of 31 Mallards’ chances to pick up the win in goal while C.J. Motte handled 31 of 34 in goal for the Mallards.

With the win, the Komets advance to the Central Division championship series where it will play either top seeded Toledo Walleye or number four Kalamazoo Wings.