Photo Courtesy of the Toledo Walleye [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7016fc1d-3a89-4f47-8d2d-b31493e00322.avif] Photo Courtesy of the Toledo Walleye Coming into the Western Conference Finals, Kansas City Mavericks [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/game-day/knight-monsters-inaugural-season-ends-mavericks-clinch-western-conference-finals-berth]goaltender Jack LaFontaine had allowed one goal or less in six of 10 games this post-season. Through two periods in Game 1 Thursday night against the Toledo Walleye [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/game-day/walleye-advance-to-western-conference-finals-eliminate-komets-in-central-division-series], he appeared to be on his way to equaling that mark. Then, two quick goals within 20 seconds changed all that, and the Walleye walked away with a 2-0 shutout at Cable Dahmer Arena to take a 1-0 lead in the WCF. Matt Anderson finally broke the scoreless tie at 2:51 of the third period off his own rebound. The assist went to Carson Bantle. Just 20 seconds later, Cole Gallant went on a breakaway and added some much needed insurance to put Toledo up 2-0. Dylan Moulton assisted on the play. As solid as LaFontaine was, Toledo netminder Jan Bednar was perfect on the night, stopping all 25 shots he faced. LaFontaine made 32 saves in the loss. Bednar’s shutout was the first in the post-season for the Walleye since 2022. Both teams played intense but well-disciplined hockey, and Toledo stole the Mavericks’ home ice advantage in the series. This year marks the second consecutive meeting [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/game-day/playoff-preview-kelly-cup-race-down-to-final-four]between these two teams in the Western Conference Finals, with the Mavericks taking last year’s series 4-2. Game 2 of this series is Saturday at Cable Dahmer Arena, with puck drop set for 6:05 Pm CT.
