Justin Fox scored twice and added an assist as the Quad City Mallards (32-27-7) defeated the host Wichita Thunder (30-26-8) 5-3 Wednesday night to open up a three point lead over fifth place Wichita in the battle for playoff positions in the ECHL's Central Division.

The Mallards were already on top 3-2 when Jannik Christensen scored what would prove to be the game winner with a one timer from the left wing circle at 8:13 of of the third period.  The Mallards protected their two goal lead deep into the third but Christensen's goal loomed even larger after the Thunder's Kenton Miller cut the gap to 4-3 with just over 32 seconds left in the game with a drive from the top of the left wing circle.  Wichita comeback hopes were squashed just 11 seconds later when Fox provided the clinching empty netter.

The Mallards entered the third period on top after Kevin Baker broke a 2-2 tie with a minute and 25 seconds left in the second period.  Baker roofed the puck from the right wing circle just under three minutes after the Thunder's Justin Bernhardt had equalized from the side of the net.

The Mallards first grabbed the lead with two goals in 57 seconds late in the first period.  Joe Perry's point-blank power play goal knotted the game at one at 16:47 of the first.  At 17:44 Fox snapped the deadlock on a breakaway.  Wichita's R.G. Flath opened the scoring with a backhander from the left wing circle just one minute and 26 seconds into the game but the Mallards would soon recover.

The Mallards next play at home Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Thunder.  That game brings the return of $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X and MetroLINK.  Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs and beers from iWireless Center concession stands during all Friday home games.

The Mallards have partnered with Metro to provide transit service between Augustana College and downtown Moline during Friday home games.  Students can catch the Route 10 on campus via 7th Avenue to and from games, with the Route 10 dropping students off near campus or in the District after games.  Students can then take the Route 53 from the District back to Augustana until 3 a.m.  As part of Metro’s unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare.  Fans can visit www.gogreenmetro.com or www.facebook.com/53and59 for more information.  
 
For Friday home games the Mallards have also joined with Rooster’s Sports Bar & Grill in Rock Island to offer fans the chance to get a lower level ticket to the Mallards’ game along with an appetizer and drink at Rooster’s and a Metro bus ride to the game from Rooster’s and back for just $20.  For more information fans can contact Rooster’s at 309-283-7005.

After Friday night's game, fans can join the Mallards at Rivals Sports Bar & Grill for a postgame party.  Rivals is located at 1720 East Kimberly Road in Davenport.

Tickets for all remaining Mallards regular season home games- including Friday's contest- are on sale now at the iWireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Tickets are available for $10, $16, $20 and $28.