Tough start for Mason McDonald against the Wichita Thunder.
Wichita scores 3 in the first period on 9 shots. First two look painfully similar with a rebound coming out in dangerous territory and the Thunder being in position to bury it on the open net. The same forward that scored the 2nd goal scores the 3rd soon after and McDonald is visibly frustrated by it. Mavericks only get 3 shots on goal the whole period despite being on the power play twice. They did have a couple shots off the post but regardless the first period was definitely all Thunder.
Better all around period for the Mavericks through the second however, Wichita still gets another goal off a broken play that had Mason McDonald on top of the puck and a Wichita player practically flipping over the crease and finding the back of the net. They look better on the rush and their power play was a lot more productive. Hunter Smith has gotten at least 3 scoring chances in this game and has had really good positioning deep in the zone.
Third period was very quiet until Dan Correale got a short handed breakaway and got the only tally for the Mavericks tonight. Shortly after, the Thunder answer back and the Mavericks do what they can but basically roll over. This game seemed over once that third goal went in and the announcers referred to them as "disorganized" and "gassed." Tonight was game 7 against the Thunder this season so far and you can tell that Wichita has the better scouting report. They take advantage in holes in positioning and don't allow much zone time at all. There needs to be a lot of tweaks for the Mavericks to make in the next 24 hours if they hope to have a better showing tomorrow night for their 8th matchup. Shots ended 22-14 for Wichita
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