Nehama Stops 41 Shots to Earn Dubuque 2-1 Win at Cedar Rapids
February 6, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA- Jacob Nehama stopped 41 shots, including denying a point-blank opportunity in the final seconds, to earn the Dubuque Fighting Saints a 2-1 road victory against the rival Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Friday night. Seamus Malone scored both goals in the victory for Dubuque, which was the Fighting Saints third win over league-leading Cedar Rapids this season.
Despite being outshot in the game's opening frame, Dubuque did everything but score. Cedar Rapids goaltender Ryan Larkin benefited from the help of his goalposts as Dubuque hit the iron three times in a single power play in the opening period. The right post, the left post and then the crossbar all came up with stops to keep the game scoreless.
At the other end, Nehama stood tall, stopping all 12 shots in the opening period, and denying 31 chances through 40 minutes. The victory was Nehama's 18th win of the season.
Dubuque finally broke the scoreless deadlock with 9:05 remaining in the second period. Seamus Malone scored his 10th goal of the season to make it 1-0 Dubuque. Nathan Sucese took the puck from behind the goal and found Malone open in the slot. Malone, who had a team-leading 23 goals last season, snuck a shot under Larkin's left arm. The goal for Malone gave Dubuuqe six players on the roster with double-digit goal totals.
In the third period, Cedar Rapids would finally solve Nehama on a deflected puck that beat the goaltender blocker side. Dylan McLaughlin was credited with the goal, redirecting an Aaron Thow shot from the left point at 9:09.
Just two minutes later, Dubuque had an answer. A tenacious shift for Dubuque saw Larkin turn aside several shots, but Dubuque maintained puck possession. Sucese moved the puck to Jacob Benson along the boards. He centered the puck to Malone who beat Larkin for his second goal of the game at 11:12 to give Dubuque a 2-1 lead.
Cedar Rapids would test Nehama numerous times in the closing minutes. The goaltender saved his biggest stop for last, making an incredible left pad save on a pass through the crease that appeared to be a backdoor tap-in.
Dubuque improved to 23-10-4 on the season and moved just six points behind Cedar Rapids in the Eastern Conference standings. Dubuque has played two less games than Cedar Rapids.
The two teams finish a home-and-home series tomorrow night in Dubuque. Puck drop is slated for 7:05 p.m. for Vegas Night presented by Mystique Casino. The game is expected to be Dubuque's largest crowd of the season. Tickets are available to the game by calling 563.583.6880 or online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com.
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United States Hockey League Stories from February 6, 2015
- Winkler Sparks Power Play as Phantoms Earn Big Win - Youngstown Phantoms
- Storm Extend Streak to 9 with 3-1 Win in Lincoln - Tri-City Storm
- Nehama Stops 41 Shots to Earn Dubuque 2-1 Win at Cedar Rapids - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Thunder Sink Buccaneers in Physical Affair - Bloomington Thunder
- Lancers Score Late; Fall in Green Bay 5-4 - Omaha Lancers
- Stampede Roll over Chicago 4-1 at the PREMIER Center - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Demontis and Humitz Tally Markers as Lumberjacks Drop Narrow Home Decision - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Hawks Roll Past Caps - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Capitols Can't Solve Morris & Waterloo - Madison Capitols
- Shellman Traded to Michigan Warriors - Bloomington Thunder
- U.S. National Under-18 Team Falls to Russia, 5-4, in Overtime at Five Nations Tournament - U.S. National Team
- Thunder Open Weekend in Des Moines - Bloomington Thunder
- U.S. National Under-17 Team Earns Second Place at Five Nations Tournament - U.S. National Team
- Capitols Open 3-In-3 Home Weekend with Waterloo - Madison Capitols
- Stampede Acquire Forward Bradley from Youngstown - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Phantoms Trade Bradley to Sioux Falls - Youngstown Phantoms
- Hawks Acquire Mason Anderson from Madison Capitols - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Capitols Acquire MacTavish from Waterloo - Madison Capitols
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