Capitols Can't Hold off Saints' Late Charge, Fall 4-2
October 25, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release
Dubuque, IA- The Madison Capitols (1-5-2) took a 2-1 first period lead, but the Dubuque Fighting Saints (5-3-0) fought back in the second and third period to overtake their conference rivals and win, 4-2 on Saturday at the Mystique Ice Center.
The Capitols' defense corps came to the forefront in the opening period. Prior to Saturday's action, only Tommy Muck had registered a goal from the Madison blue line. Daniel Willett (Bayville, N.Y.) changed that at the 4:11 mark of the first period, taking a faceoff victory from the center point and firing a slap shot past Dubuque goaltender Jacob Nehama.
It was Willett's first goal as a Capitol after being acquired from the Muskegon Lumberjacks earlier in the week.
Dubuque would answer at 11:05 on a goal by Mitchell Smith, but it would not deter the Capitols.
After the Capitols had scuffled with the man advantage, going 1 for its prior 25 on power plays, Mason Anderson (Anchorage, Alaska) capitalized on a one-timer from the top of the right circle to give Madison the 2-1 lead at 17:14.
It marked a special first goal with Madison for Anderson, who was acquired from Dubuque just prior to the Capitols' season opener.
The pace slowed following a shooting gallery in the first period. Madison got a power play opportunity to extend its lead, but it was Dubuque that took advantage shortly after a successful penalty kill. Dylan Gambrell, who had been whistled for slashing, exited the box and took a perfect feed from Sasha Larocque and beat Darren Smith over the glove hand to tie the game, 2-2, at 11:13 of the second.
Smith remained stout in the net for Madison, though, preserving the tie after two periods and making 30 saves in the game's opening 40 minutes and 40 total stops for the night.
The third period proved to provide home-ice advantage for the Fighting Saints, who used a late chance to break the 2-2 deadlock. Armed with a power play that had gone 0-for-5 through two periods, Dubuque was opportunistic in its last chance. Brett Boeing flung the puck on goal from the right circle, and Willie Knierim was able to deflect the puck past Smith to hand the Saints their first lead.
The Capitols received a late power play with a chance to tie the game, but Nehama stayed strong in the Saints net, stopping all 16 shots fired his way after the first period. J.D. Dudek rounded out the scoring by hitting an empty net with just over 90 seconds left.
The Capitols return to Coliseum ice to look for a second straight home ice triumph next Friday, October 31 to host the Tri-City Storm on Halloween night. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. The night will feature a costume party and parade for fans in attendance. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster, at www.madcapshockey.com, by calling (608) 257-CAPS (2277). Fans can also purchase tickets at the Alliant Energy Center box office on the day of the game.
The Capitols will then host the Storm on Saturday, Nov. 1 for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop, as well as a 3:05 p.m. Sunday affair with the Chicago Steel. Tickets for all games can be found via www.madcapshockey.com.
The games can also be heard on 106.7 FM/1670 AM, The Zone, or online at www.madcitysportszone.com.
To purchase your Capitols ticket packages and receive exclusive season ticket holder benefits and save the most money on ticket prices, or to learn more about packages, contact the Capitols' ticket line at (608) 257-CAPS (2277) or visit www.madcapshockey.com.
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United States Hockey League Stories from October 25, 2014
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