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 Dubuque Fighting Saints

Bloomington's Overtime Heroics Force Game 5

May 7, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Tied at two, headed into the first overtime, the Bloomington Thunder put both teams on the brink of elimination with a goal that sent the series back to Dubuque. Brogan Rafferty tallied at the 8:45 mark, leading to the Thunder win, and to a decisive Game 5. The Thunder won 3-2 at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum on Saturday night.

Rafferty found himself alone bearing down the right circle, with Hunter Miska stacking the pads and forcing him to make a perfect shot. He took a pass from Logan Lambdin out of the far corner, and stashed the puck into the top shelf, leading to the win. That opportunity followed an outstanding chance for the Fighting Saints to provide the dagger, but they were unable to do so.

Dubuque appeared to have the game-winner in their possession. Captain Keegan Ford unloaded a wrist shot on third-period power play that evaded the grasp of Bloomington netminder Hayden Lavigne, stoking the Fighting Saints to a 2-1 lead. But Tarek Baker turned a tremendous individual effort into paydirt. He deked through the defense and Miska and tied the game late, sending the game to overtime.

The Thunder got the scoring started in the first period, and started the scoring for the fourth time in the series. Jake Slaker capitalized on an early power play opportunity- a wired slap shot from the right circle to the shelf through a maze of traffic, leading Bloomington to the advantage 1-0.

Dubuque responded three minutes later, getting a goal from Mitchell Smith. Zach Solow raced off the bench and found the puck in the far corner, and found the elder Smith in the slot. His wrist shot squeaked through Lavigne's pads and tied the game midway through the first period.

A scoreless second period saw the Fighting Saints outshoot the Thunder 15-6.

Penalties were way down from a night ago. 12 chances were doled out on Friday night, but only 5 total power plays were assessed on Saturday night. The Fighting Saints outshot the Thunder 42-31 for the game, and have outshot the Thunder in three of the four games played this series.

A decisive Game 5 comes home to Dubuque on Tuesday, May 10 at 7:05 p.m. Ticket deals will become available shortly. The box office will be open on Sunday between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and tickets will be available by calling the box office at 563.583.6880, or by going online to DubuqueFightingSaints.com.


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