Saints Fall to Capitols in Shootout Friday Night
December 5, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, IA - The Madison Capitols scored with only 1:05 remaining to force overtime, and got strong performances from Tyler Nanne and netminder Darren Smith in relief to earn a 6-5 shootout victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints Friday night. Nanne scored to tie the game late and Smith stopped 23 of 24 shot, plus three shootout attempts, to hand Dubuque its third straight loss at the Mystique Community Ice Center.
The game opened with a pair of goals in the opening minute. Only 53 seconds into the game, Madison defenseman Daniel Willet scored from the left point to make it 1-0 Capitols. Just 17 seconds later, the Fighting Saints quickly evened the score. Mitchell Smith scored his first of two goals in the opening period courtesy a 2-on-1 with his twin brother Evan. Mitchell accepted a pass on the left wing and beat Madison netminder Garrett Metcalf over the blocker to make it 1-1.
Mitchell Smith scored again to give Dubuque the advantage at 8:37 of the first period. Again the recipient of a great pass, Smith scored his seventh goal of the year from Gordie Green. The Dubuque forward wrapped the puck down the wing and behind the net. He fired a quick pass out front and Mitchell Smith's shot beat Metcalf to the right side of the net to make it 2-1 Dubuque.
Freddy Gerard would continue the scoring trend, tying the game at 13:40 for Madison. The lead wouldn't last long as Nathan Sucese scored for Dubuque at 16:27. The forward scored his first goal of the season on a highlight reel play. Sucese brought the puck in over the blue line, worked around a defender, and cut to the middle, beating Metcalf with a wrist shot to make it 3-2 Dubuque through the game's first 20 minutes.
The two teams would trade goals in the middle frame, with Dubuque's Seamus Malone scoring at 7:32. Metcalf was lifted and backup goaltender Smith was brought into the game in a move that proved to pay off. Madison's Charlie Gerard made it a one-goal game again at 11:45.
In the third period, Andrew Kerr appeared to complete a Gordie Howe Hatrick with a shot from the point that redirected and found its way past Darren Smith at 9:03. After review, it appeared Brett Boeing got a piece of the puck as the Fighting Saints upped their lead to 5-3.
Madison, the masters of the comeback of late, quickly responded to get within a goal again. Sam McCormick scored unassisted at 9:51 to make it 5-4 Dubuque.
The Capitols continued to pressure and finally tied the game with only 1:05 remaining. Tyler Nanne scored on a shot from left wing that snuck under Nehama's pads to tie the game for Madison 5-5.
After overtime proved no results, the game went to a shootout. Nanne scored the lone goal of the shootout to give the Capitols the victory. Dubuque outshot Madison 45-30 in the loss.
Dubuque is action tomorrow against Tri-City at 7:05 p.m. The game is the Santa Claus Visit and 5th Annual Teddy Bear Toss. After the Fighting Saints score their first goal, fans are to throw the teddy bears onto the ice. All teddy bears and stuffed animals thrown onto the ice will be collected for Toys for Tots for children in need. Tickets are available by calling 563.583.6880 or online at DubuqueFIghtingSaints.com.
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...
United States Hockey League Stories from December 5, 2014
- Saints Fall to Capitols in Shootout Friday Night - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Phantoms Control Pace Throughout, Ultimately Fall in the Shootout - Youngstown Phantoms
- Comeback Falls Short in 3-2 Loss to Sioux Falls - Omaha Lancers
- Comeback Capitols Strike Again, Erase 2-Goal Deficit, Win Shootout - Madison Capitols
- Late Heroics Make It Four in a Row for Thunder - Bloomington Thunder
- Hawks Get Two-Point Reversal - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Michael Latorella Backstops First Career USHL Shutout, Lumberjacks Blank Under-17's - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Eric Schierhorn Added to U.S. Junior Select Team for World Junior A Challenge - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Thunder Travel North to Face Green Bay Gamblers - Bloomington Thunder
- Game Notes vs Team USA Under-18 - Youngstown Phantoms
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
