BOISE, Idaho — The stage is set for the Idaho Steelheads to score a series-tying win and avoid a two-game deficit Friday night as the ECHL Mountain Division Finals continue in downtown Boise.
Idaho exploded offensively in the third period of Wednesday's Game 3 with four goals, but Kansas City's early lead proved to be too much to overcome. The Steelheads trailed 5-1 entering the final 20 minutes, but narrowed the deficit to just one goal at 6-5 with 4:23 left to play.
The Mavericks found the back of the net with 3:10 remaining to seal the 7-5 victory and 2-1 series lead. Idaho also rallied in Game 2 on the road, scoring a pair of goals in the final period to claim a 3-2 win in Missouri.
An early advantage could prove to be the difference between recapturing home-ice advantage and a 3-1 series at Idaho Central Arena, which welcomed a sellout crowd of 5,076 fans on Wednesday. Game 4 gets underway at 7:10 p.m. Friday.
All home games during the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs, including Friday's crucial bout, will be broadcast on Idaho's Very Own 24/7 in the Boise and Twin Falls markets through KTVB Channel 7's partnership with the Idaho Steelheads.
Idaho's Very Own 24/7 is available free over the air on channel 7.2 or 7-2 depending on your TV brand. It is also available on Sparklight Cable on channel 13 and Cox Cable on channel 128.
RELATED: How to watch Idaho's Very Own 24/7
Ty Pelton-Byce and Wade Murphy have recorded points in each of Idaho's past five games, while Keaton Mastrodonato has tallied both a goal and an assist in back-to-back contests. The Steelheads outshot Kansas City 40-28 in Game 3, including 17-4 in the final 20 minutes.
After falling behind 4-1, Idaho goalkeeper Bryan Thomson was relieved for Jake Kielly, who made 11 saves on 14 shots. Thomson had 10 saves on 14 shots in the first period. Kielly is set to start for the Steelies Friday night.
Steelheads defenseman Matt Register collected his 118th playoff point on an assist in Wednesday's loss, becoming the ECHL's all-time postseason point leader.
All-ECHL first team forward Patrick Curry, who set a Kansas City franchise record for a single season with 39 goals, scored the first goal of the contest and added a pair of assists. Mavericks forward David Cotton owns four goals and five points across the first three games of the series.
Remaining Mountain Division Finals schedule:
- Game 4 vs. Kanas City – 7:10 p.m. Friday, May 10
- Game 5 vs. Kansas City – 3:10 p.m. Saturday, May 11
- Game 6 at Kansas City – 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 (if necessary)*
- Game 7 at Kansas City – 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 (if necessary)*
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