USHL Lincoln Stars

5 Things: Stars Sweep Des Moines

November 14, 2021 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release


The Lincoln Stars (10-3-1) shocked the Des Moines Buccaneers with two quick goals for the second straight night, locking up their fifth consecutive win with a 3-2 victory at Buccaneer Arena. Here are five things that happened:

1.) TONY DOES IT AGAIN

With the Stars down 1-0 after a Tanner Latsch power-play goal in the first period, Lincoln searched for an equalizer without their top point-producer (Aidan Thompson - upper-body injury).

Antonio Fernandez would provide the game-tying goal at 8:02, scoring his second goal of the weekend. Fernandez's shot from the right point was partially blocked, but the carom fooled Lucas Szyszka. Luke Johnson and Mason Marcellus provided the assists on Fernandez's third goal this season.

The 18-year-old blueliner has scored three times in his last four outings. Six of Lincoln's eight goals this weekend came from defensemen: Fernandez (2), Dalton Norris (2), Jo Lemay (1), Henry Nelson (1).

2.) TWENTY-SEVEN SECONDS

Paul Davey scored 3:31 into the third period, giving the Bucs all the momentum despite Lincoln's strong start to the frame. However, Lincoln punched back with Mason Marcellus' third goal of the season at 7:21.

Johnson had a nice retrieval in the offensive zone, dished the puck to Fernandez at the right point, who then directed it to Norris at the left point.

The Stars captain twisted a shot towards the slot that was deflected, but Patrick Raftery swept the puck back on goal and Marcellus slammed the rebound home. Raftery recorded his first USHL point with the apple.

The next shift, Carter Schade fed the puck up the near-side wing, springing Griffin Jurecki through the neutral zone on a counterattack. Jurecki whipped a pass to the far-side circle right onto the tape of Lucas Wahlin, who ripped a wrist shot past the glove side of Szyszka.

Marcellus and Wahlin's goals were separated by 27 seconds, marking the second straight game Lincoln scored twice in under a half-minute against the Bucs. Wahlin tied Johnson and Norris for the team lead with his fifth goal in 2021-22.

3.) WAVING GOODBYE

Lincoln held onto the 3-2 lead until the end of regulation, relying on Cameron Whitehead and the defense to shut the door. Whitehead continued his dominance, turning away 36 of 38 shots on goal.

In his last five starts, the 18-year-old goaltender has racked up a record of 5-0, a goals-against average of 2.15 and a save percentage of .933.

After being heckled by Buccaneer fans all game, Whitehead extended a wave for the crowd after the final horn, inspiring his teammates to do the same.

Nothing has phased Whitehead in his USHL career so far and it's clear that he's developing a swagger to his game. Whitehead is the only goaltender in the USHL with more than five starts to remain unbeaten in regulation (6-0-1).

4.) NEXT MAN UP

While Thompson's absence from the lineup was known a few hours before puck drop, Noah Laba was forced to leave the game in the second period following a hit from Jackson Dorrington at 14:46.

After Laba deflected the puck down the ice on Des Moines' side of center ice, Dorrington extended his elbow and shoulder directly into Laba's head, drawing blood.

The Stars forward was riding a six-game point streak before his early exit. Dorrington was assessed a major and a game misconduct for head contact. Lincoln was given a major power play, but the visitors were unable to cash in.

Despite only having eleven forwards dressed (and only six defensemen due to Michael Mastrodomenico's established injury), Lincoln pushed in the third period and came out of Des Moines with a 3-2 victory.

The depth of the Stars roster was tested time and time again over the weekend, but the guys stuck to the game plan and executed.

5.) STREAKS CONTINUE

We've already talked about Whitehead and Wahlin's personal streaks, but Lincoln recorded their fifth straight win and that deserves constant mention.

It took the Stars 26 games to reach the double-digit win mark last season, but they currently sit third in the USHL and second in the Western Conference with a record of 10-3-1.

What's also impressive about Lincoln's current run is their play on the road. The Stars are tied for the most wins away from home (5) in the USHL, which is a stark contrast to 2020-21.

Lincoln's young roster only mustered up seven wins in 27 road games, but it's clear the returning players have grown up.

The Stars coaching staff, led by head coach Rocky Russo, has also done a tremendous job of keeping the group even-keeled in the face of adversity, no matter how much the odds are stacked against them.

Their next challenge will be Fargo, who have gone winless over their last eight outings. The Force travel to the Ice Box for a Friday night tilt at 7:05 p.m.! It's $2 Night, which means $2 draft beers, $2 hot dogs and more!

Check out the Lincoln Stars Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from November 14, 2021


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