Caps Clinch In Series Sweep

Caps Clinch In Series Sweep

    In their inaugural season, the Topeka Capitals have clinched first-place in the South Division after their sweep of the Sugar Land Imperials this weekend.

    Connor Nicholas, Tommy Malkmus, and Hardijis Kupaks led the way with three points each as Topeka overwhelmed the Imps 7-3 on Thursday night. Nicholas punched in the game winner at 15:00 in the second period, putting the Caps ahead to stay 3-2. Topeka would add two more goals in the period and two more in the third while Mike McElroy held serve in net, allowing only one goal the rest of the way and just three total on the night.

    On Friday, the Caps put up two in the first, two in the second and four in the third to sour Sugar Land 8-3. Georgy Ostapchuk racked up five points on two goals and three assists while team captain Nick Rizzo added a goal and two assists of his own in the rout. Jude Hull returned to the net and was solid, stopping 13 of 16 to secure the win.

    It was all Tommy Malkmus and Hardijis Kupaks in game three. Malkmus dominate with four goals and two assists while Kupaks flew around the ice contributing two goals and four assists. Ostapchuk netted two goals and two assists of his own in a game where 10 Capitals scored in an 11-2 win. In the sweep, the Capitals have secured home ice during the South Division playoffs.

    The next scheduled series for Topeka is February 28 and March 1 at Landon Arena versus the Dallas Junior Stars. For more information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit www.topekacapitals.com.Mike McElroy collected two wins in net this series, moving his record to 10-5-0.