The Topeka Capitals had a two-goal lead after two periods and cruised the rest of the way en route to a 4-1 win over the Dallas Jr. Stars.
Topeka evened the best of three series at 1-1 and forced a deciding game three.
The Capitals were led by Alex Sauer, who registered one goal and one assist. Sauer scored 14:45 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Topeka. Georgy Ostapchuk picked up the assist.
Topeka put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Dallas to score on any of its five power plays. The Capitals forced the Jr. Stars goalie Chris Mallon to work between the pipes, taking 45 shots.
Topeka additionally got points from Blake Busch, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Topeka included Tommy Malkmus and Hardijs Kupaks, who each put in one. More assists for Topeka came via Seth Kamrass, who had two.
Dallas' offense was handcuffed by Topeka's defensive play, and the Jr. Stars managed only 11 shots on goal during the game.
Dallas was led by Jon Gibson, who scored the team's only goal. Gibson scored 9:13 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Topeka. Blake McIntyre assisted on the tally.
The Capitals' Mike McElroy stopped 10 shots out of the 11 that he faced. Topeka incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Chris Mallon made 41 saves for the Jr. Stars on 44 shots. Dallas incurred 28 minutes in penalty time with nine minors.