Sadowy strikes again, but Walleye clipped by Wings

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Dylan Sadowy continued his strong month of March with a power play goal, but the Toledo Walleye were unable to overcome an early two-goal deficit as the Kalamazoo Wings claimed a 2-1 victory on Sunday at Wings Event Center.

Sadowy, who leads the Walleye (35-19-5-3) with 21 goals on the season, has totaled 13 points (7-6-13) over his last nine contests. Kalamazoo (32-27-2-2) netminder Matiss Kivlenieks stopped 33-of-34 shots to garner second-star honors, while Kaden Fulcher was tagged with the loss despite turning away 28-of-30.

Toledo fell in regulation against Kalamazoo for the first time since dropping a 4-1 decision in West Michigan on Dec. 22, 2017, snapping a 13-game point streak (10-0-2-1). With 10 games remaining in the regular season slate, the Walleye sit seven points clear of Fort Wayne for second place in the Central Division standings, while the Wings hold a four-point lead over Indy and Wheeling for the fourth and final playoff position.

Kalamazoo capitalized on an odd-man rush to start the scoring 8:03 into the game. After stretching out to receive Tanner Sorenson’s lead pass, Michael Neal spun to his forehand at the right circle and set up Chris Collins in front for a redirection into the top left corner. 

The Wings added to their lead on the power play later in the opening period. Fulcher blocked Sorenson’s initial wrist shot from the left circle, only for Zach Saar to skate in front and chop the rebound into an open net at the 12:39 mark.

Sadowy responded with a power play goal of his own to put the Walleye on the scoresheet with 3:04 left in the same frame. Jordan Topping had his wrist shot from the top of the right circle repelled by Kivlenieks, but the rebound bounced off A.J. Jenks and onto Sadowy’s stick for a tap-in.

Despite being limited to eight forwards following an injury to Chris Crane, the Walleye followed up a goalless second period by outshooting Kalamazoo 14-7 over the final 20 minutes. Toledo yanked Fulcher for the extra skater and eventually called its timeout with 38.7 seconds remaining, but could not create an equalizer as the hosts held on for a one-goal win.

Toledo finished 1-for-3 on the power play, while Kalamazoo struck on 1-of-4 opportunities.

What’s Next:The Walleye return to action on Thursday with a road tilt against the Western Conference-leading Cincinnati Cyclones. Puck drop from U.S. Bank Arena is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.

Three Stars:1. Kalamazoo – Zach Saar (game-winning power play goal)2. Kalamazoo – Matiss Kivlenieks (W, 33 saves)3. Kalamazoo – Chris Collins (goal, assist)