MAVS GAIN POSTSEASON BERTH WITH 5-3 WIN OVER BLAZE

The Missouri Mavericks clinched their third consecutive playoff berth with a 5-3 win over the Bloomington Blaze Friday night at Independence Events Center. Ed McGrane notched two points on the night with a goal and and assist and Brandon Smith netted the game winner four minutes into the third period. The game was played in front of the Mavericks’ 18th sellout of the season, surpassing the franchise record set last season. The Mavs have two games left in the regular season and sit just three points back of the conference’s top spot.
Bloomington opened up the scoring two minutes into regulation on a rebound goal from Jordy Trottier. The final five periods were packed with action, as both teams combined for three goals. Ed McGrane and David Simoes scored two unanswered goals for the Mavs two minutes apart. The Blaze responded with 44 second left in the period on a goal from Kyle Laughlin. The Mavericks outshot the Blaze 16-10 in the period.
The Mavs regained the lead four minutes into the second frame on a redirected shot by Ryan Jardine. David Simoes and Cole Ruwe assisted on the goal. Bloomington tied the game again halfway through the period on a wrap-around goal from Jon Booras.
Brandon Smith put the Mavs up 4-3 four minutes into the third period. Assisting on the goal was Matt McCready. Sebastien Thinel sealed the win and a trip to the postseason with nine minutes to go in regulation on his 23rd goal of the year. Ed McGrane picked up his second point of the night with an assist on the goal.
The Mavericks now wrap up the end of the 2011-12 CHL regular season with a home-and-home series with the Tulsa Oilers starting tomorrow night at Independence Events Center. Missouri plays the final game of the regular season at 4:05pm at the BOK Center in Tulsa.
Single game playoff tickets are now on sale. All playoff tickets will be refunded in the event the Mavericks do not play a game in which tickets are purchased.