Steel Clinch Top Spot in East with 4-1 Win at Tri-City
April 2, 2017 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
KEARNEY, NEBRASKA - Eduards Tralmaks recorded two goals, including the game-winner, and added an assist, as the Chicago Steel (37-15-2-3, 79 pts.) defeated the Tri-City Storm (20-29-6-2, 48 pts.) 4-1 Saturday at Viaero Center. Ales Stezka made 28 saves on 29 shots in between the pipes for Chicago. With the victory, the Steel clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference in the 2017 USHL Clark Cup Playoffs.
Chicago increased its franchise-record totals for wins and points. The Steel will have home-ice advantage against either the Green Bay Gamblers or Youngstown Phantoms in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Playoff dates and ticket information will be announced Monday.
Following a scoreless first period, Chicago's Mitch Lewandowski notched a power play goal at the 8:41 mark of the second period. Lewandowski recorded a goal for a fifth time in six games, jamming a rebound from the top of the crease past Storm netminder Eric Dop.
The lead was short-lived, as Tri-City's Josiah Slavin, younger brother of former Steel captain Jaccob Slavin (NHL Carolina), tipped a shot from the slot through Stezka's five-hole just 80 seconds later.
Chicago regained the lead when Tralmaks sniped a highlight-reel shot over Dop's blocker at 14:52.
The Steel extended their lead 15 seconds into the third period when Reggie Lutz connected a pass from below the goal line to Jack Badini, who registered his team-leading 28th goal of the season. Later in the period, Tralmaks found Jason O'Neill's rebound and picked up his second goal of the night as Chicago skated to a three-goal victory.
Lewandowski finished with two points (1+1) for his seventh multi-point effort of the season. Defenseman Ben Mirageas recorded two points (0+2) for a second straight night.
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United States Hockey League Stories from April 2, 2017
- Off the Board - Madison Capitols
- Gamblers Win Eight Straight and are One Win Away from a Playoff Berth - Green Bay Gamblers
- Musketeers Outflank Storm, 4-1 - Tri-City Storm
- Playoff Bound Saints Beat Lancers to Clinch Berth - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Steel Clinch Top Spot in East with 4-1 Win at Tri-City - Chicago Steel
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