(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) – The Mayhem keep control of their own destiny and eliminate the Fayetteville Marksmen in the process, 4-1 on the road.
Mayhem started the period with good physical play complimented by strong forechecking. This led to multiple chances in front of Marksmen goaltender Ryan Kenny who was forced to make some big saves early. Macon would break the ice first after a shot from the point created chaos in front and none other than Khaden Henry came crashing in to clean up the rebound. 36 seconds later, captain Alex Cohen did his best Henry impression with a similar looking goal, collecting the rebounds in front to then put the Mayhem up 2-0. Josh Boyko was not tested too much but made the timely saves needed to sustain the momentum.
The third period felt like a tennis match with action back and forth at both ends. Justin Kelley got things started early in the period with a great pass from Conor Witherspoon from behind the net that Kelley tucked in short side on Kenny 1:38 into the period. No other goals were scored but the action only picked up. After crashing the net hard Michael Herrera ran into Kenny which Jordan Henderson did not take exception to and the two had a spirited bout. The power play off the Herrera goaltender interference gave the Marksmen life that was not there before. Macon would kill off the penalty but the Marksmen push came shortly after. Both Boyko and Kenny made big stops to hold the score where it was. Shots after two periods read 18 all with the mayhem taking the three goal lead into the intermission.
Things got interesting to start the third. Shane Murphy was able to give the Marksmen life in the game and season, cutting the lead to 3-1 just 1:25 into the period. The Mayhem were able to counter the push back with a bend don’t break style of defense that gave opportunities to the Marksmen. A four minute double minor penalty by Henry was the pinnacle of the Marksmen’s momentum that Macon was able to kill off. Kelley was able to score his second goal of the game on an empty net goal that iced the game and also meant that 10 Macon players were able to score a point. Boyko shined with 27 saves making huge stops down the stretch to secure his 19th win of the season.
The Mayhem have a chance to clinch a playoff spot tomorrow for the first time since 2021 as they take on the Fayetteville Marksmen again at 7 p.m.
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