The Fort Wayne Komets edged the Kansas City Mavericks 4-1 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final on Sunday at the Coliseum to force a decisive Game 6 back in Kansas City. With the win, Fort Wayne avoids elimination and keeps the series alive.
Alex Aleardi opened the scoring just 6:12 into the game, giving the Komets an early lead. Jalen Smereck added to the advantage at 10:44 of the first period, putting the Komets up 2-0 after one. Nathan Day made 13 saves in the first to keep the Mavericks scoreless.
The Komets continued their dominance in the second period. Matt Capponi extended the lead to three at 2:40 with an assist from Matt Brown. Kansas City finally responded with a goal at 15:14 of the second while Smereck was in the penalty box, trimming the deficit to 3-1 heading into the third.
Capponi sealed the victory in the third period, scoring his second goal of the game at 11:43, this time without an assist. Day finished with 19 saves on 20 shots for the win, including 6 in the third period.
Jack LaFontaine, who entered the game with a 2.50 goals-against average, struggled in net for the Mavericks, allowing four goals on 25 shots. Kansas City outshot Fort Wayne 35-25 overall but could not convert on key chances.
The Komets improved to 11-7 in the post-season this year, while the Mavericks fall to 11-8. The series now shifts back to Kansas City for Game 6 on Tuesday, where the first team to win four games will advance to the Kelly Cup Finals.
Fort Wayne’s ability to capitalize on scoring chances has been a defining factor in the series. The Komets have outscored the Mavericks 14-10 in the five games and have gone 2-for-3 on the power play in Game 5.
The Mavericks will look to close the series at home, where they are 6-4 in the post-season. Fort Wayne will aim to continue its road success, which includes a 5-3 record away from home in the playoffs.
Game 6 tips off at 7:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday at the Kansas City Marriott Convention Center.
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