Mark Cooper scored twice and Matt Robertson provided a goal and two assists as the host Kansas City Mavericks (20-16-1) held off the Quad City Mallards' (8-21-3) comeback bids to claim a 5-2 victory Saturday night. 

 

Back-to-back Cooper power play goals early in the second period gave the Mavericks a 2-0 lead. Cooper scored from the left wing circle at 2:09 and again at 6:10. The Mallards cut the gap to 2-1 when Ryan McGrath pounced on a loose puck in the right wing circle at 15:57 of the second.

 

The Mavericks moved back in front by two when Shawn Pauly scored the third of four Kansas City special teams goals on a shorthanded penalty shot at 3:41 of the third period. Greg Amlong brought the Mallards within a goal for a second time with a drive from the left point that caromed in off Kansas City's Bryce Aneloski at 10:54 of the third.

 

Robertson replied by delivering the Mavericks' third two-goal lead and third power play goal with a spectacular end-to-end rush at 14:40. Greg Betzold capped off the Maverick win from the slot with just under two minutes remaining.

 

Also Saturday, Josh MacDonald departed the Mallards to pursue a playing opportunity in Norway with Sternen and was placed on the Mallards' suspended list.

 

The Mallards next play at home Friday next night at 7:05 p.m. against the Indy Fuel. Next Friday also brings the return of $2 Dog/$2 Beer Night presented by 97X. Fans can enjoy $2 hot dogs and beers from TaxSlayer Center concession stands during every Friday home game. In addition, the Mallards have partnered with Metro to provide transit service between Augustana College and downtown Moline during all Friday home games. As part of Metro's unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare.

 

Tickets for next Friday's contest and all Mallards regular season home games are now on sale at the TaxSlayer Center box office, Ticketmaster toll free charge-by-phone (1-800-745-3000) and ticketmaster.com. The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.