Game 26 Preview: Kansas City at Iowa

Landers and Mavericks rematch, 7th game of season series

Coralville, IA  – The Iowa Heartlanders (8-13-3-1, 20 pts.) have earned at least a point in four of the last five games and look to win their fourth game of the season against the Kansas City Mavericks (11-13-1-0, 23 pts.)  in a rematch Monday at 7:00 p.m. at Xtream Arena.  It’s the fourth straight game between the clubs and Monday’s game will break the season series split. Each team has won three games in the season series.Today’s Promotion: Zooperstars! Performance at Heartlanders game Broadcast Coverage: Listen at Iowaheartlanders.com/listenlive or mixlr.com/goheartlanders. Watch on FloHockey.tv. NHL Affiliates: Iowa Heartlanders (Minnesota Wild/Iowa Wild) | Kansas City Mavericks (Calgary Flames/Stockton Heat)Last Time OutThe Heartlanders scored three times in the first period and Ben Sokay tied the game at five to earn the Iowa Heartlanders a point in a 6-5 overtime defeat Sunday at Xtream Arena.Sokay’s tying goal, his second of the contest, came with 1:27 left at the left doorstep. He curled around, stole the puck and swooped it in at the left doorstep. The Landers allowed the overtime goal on the penalty kill to Darik Angeli.Angeli also tallied for Kansas City at 3:30 of the first, but then Heartlanders offense got going. Ben Sokay (5:06) scored on his next shift, his third of the season to even the score. He snuck the puck through the legs of the netminder Daniil Chechelev, patiently waiting for the rookie to stretch his legs open. Cole Stallard sniped one in from the left dot at 13:35, and Kris Bennett capped the first period scoring with his team-leading 12th of the season on the breakaway from the left slot.Trevin Kozlowski made 17 saves (2 GA) and was replaced halfway through the game by Jack Berry (OTL, 17 saves on 21 shots). Daniil Chechelev won with 27 denials.

Season series

Iowa leads the season series in points (3-2-1-0) entering the seventh matchup of nine this season. Following this game, there is only one home game left vs. Kansas City, coming Jan. 14 at 7:00 p.m. The last matchup of the season series is in the KC suburbs on Mar. 5.The matchups in the series have often resulted in after-whistle “extras” which have extended game times. The average Heartlanders game time this season is under 2:25 against all other opponents, but 2:35 against Kansas City.Upcoming Home GamesIowa is home Dec. 27 and Dec. 29 to continue Family Week!Monday, Dec. 27 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Kansas City: ZOOperstars appearance at game

Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Tulsa: College Night with discounted tickets for those with a .edu email address or college ID.Season ticket memberships, group tickets, mini-plans, flex vouchers and single-game tickets are available for the Heartlanders inaugural season by calling 319-569-GOAL and visiting iowaheartlanders.com/tickets.