The Mavericks completed a weekend sweep of the Allen Americans bringing their season record against the Americans to 6-0. This didn’t happen, however, without the Mavericks squandering a third period lead on Saturday. After entering the third period up 2-0, the Mavericks gave up 3 quick goals. The Mavericks fought back with two goals in 33 seconds coming from Rocco Carzo and Cliff Watson to win 4-3. The Mavericks have made a little bit of a habit out of allowing games to be closer than they should be. The Mavericks will be looking to break this habit this week in Idaho.

Roster News: On Tuesday, the Mavericks’ AHL affiliate the Stockton Heat announced that they were reassigning goaltender Nick Schneider and Forward Jordan Ernst to the Mavericks. Nick Schneider started the season with the Mavericks posting a record of 2-1-1 and a Save Percentage of .907 and Goals Against Average of 2.72. Schneider has been one of the best goaltenders in the Calgary Flames system, posting a 6-2 record with Stockton and a Save Percentage of .915 and a Goals Against Average of 2.66. Schneider’s return to Kansas City likely signals former Maverick Tyler Parsons’ return to play in Stockton. Parsons has been out with injury but struggled to find his stride to start the season. Hopefully, Tyler can find his game and have a successful season. Currently, the Mavericks are carrying three goaltenders in Mason McDonald, Ben Halford, and Nick Schneider. Hopefully, the Mavericks can find a way to accommodate all three without having to release Halford, who was re-signed when Schneider was called up to Stockton. Jordan Ernst has also been sent back to the Mavericks in time for this week’s road trip. Ernst skated in Stockton’s 4-3 victory over the Manitoba Moose on Saturday. In 13 games with the Mavericks this season, Ernst has recorded 9 points (3g,6a).

On the Road Again: The Mavericks are on the road in Boise, Idaho this week in a 3-game series against the Idaho Steelheads. The Mavericks have been fantastic at home this season, but they have had some issues on the road. The Mavericks’ record on the road is 4-4-1-1 with two of those losses coming against the Tulsa Oilers. The Steelheads and the Mavericks are two pretty evenly matched teams so this should be a pretty good chance for the Mavericks to get a monkey off their backs with some road wins.

Swimming Upstream: The Mavericks trail the Steelheads in all time games played 2-2-2-0. The Mavericks only played the Steelheads twice last season losing both contests. With the Mavericks back in the Mountain Division this season, the two teams will meet 6 times. After this week, the Mavericks next play the Steelheads at home on February 27th, March 1st, and March 2nd.

Formidable Opponents: The Steelheads currently have the third best Goals Against record in the league at 2.71. Their leading scorers are Steven McParland with 19 points(10g,9a), Brad McClure with 18 points (9g,9a), and AJ White with 17 points(6g,11a). Their goaltending has been hot too with goaltender Thomas Sholl posting a 2.06 GAA and .931 SP in 11 games with a record of 7-4-0-0. On top of their low Goals Against record, the Steelheads have the 9th best Power Play (.183) and 4th best Penalty Kill (.867) in the ECHL. The Mavericks have the 3rd best power play in the league (.216), but their penalty kill is 21st in the league (.819).

Keys to Success

Simple Game: Coach John-Scott Dickson said after Saturday’s game that playing a simple game is important and I couldn’t agree more. A lot of the problems the Mavericks have had this season have stemmed from them being too fancy with the puck. When the Mavericks veer away from a north-south game and sprinkle in toe drags and risky passes, opposing teams have been all over them. The Mavericks need to stick with battling to the net and putting the puck in with no frills or crazy plays.

Strong Even-Strength Game: With the Mavericks facing one of the best PK’s in the league, it will be imperative that they have success when at even strength. Look for Rocco Carzo, David Dziurzynski, and Jared Van Wormer to lead the way here.

Keep the Front of the Net Clear: Several goals that the Mavericks have given up lately have resulted from allowing the opposing team to get into the slot and take some really quality scoring chances. The Mavericks need to make sure the defense is clearing opposing players from the slot, and keeping them from screening the goaltender.

Player to Watch

C.J. Eick- Eick came to the Mavericks last season from the Utah Grizzlies. He has faced the Steelheads more than a lot of his teammates so he should have a bit better idea of how to play against Idaho. Keep an eye on Eick.

Game 22

Time: 8:10 Central Time (7:10 Mountain Time)

Where: CenturyLink Arena, Boise, Idaho

How To Watch: Official Mavericks Road Game Watch Party at Johnny’s Tavern in Blue Springs, MO, ECHL.tv, Live Play-by-Play on the Mavericks App (Call by Bob Rennison)