Barbolini's OT Goal Gives Lincoln Third Straight Win
February 22, 2020 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Matt Barbolini's goal 2:34 into overtime capped off a comeback for the Lincoln Stars (21-16-5) as they picked up their third consecutive win, beating the Sioux Falls Stampede (19-17-6) 3-2 at Denny Sanford Premier Center on Friday night.
The first period saw goaltenders Jake Mucitelli and Jaxson Stauber duel against one another, stopping every shot that came their way in the opening 20 minutes. Stauber stopped 14 shots while Mucitelli turned aside 11.
In the second period, Sioux Falls opened the scoring thanks to Isaac Henkemeyer-Howe's sixth goal of the season at 9:54. Jared Westcott added to the lead for the Stampede, tallying his 16th goal of the year at 18:44.
Following 40 minutes, Lincoln trailed 2-0 and was outshot 24-21.
The Stars failed to score on an ensuing power play that trickled into the third period, but they were given another crack at the 5-on-4 when Cameron Boudreau tripped Josh Lopina. Lincoln would capitalize on the man-advantage in the form of Christian Sarlo's team-leading 18th goal of the season at 4:29. The Penn State commit picked up his 11th power-play marker following a pass from Matt Miller at the goal line.
On the next shift, Lopina, Barbolini and Brock Bremer went to work on the cycle. Barbolini fed Lopina in the slot, but his shot was initially stopped by Stauber. Bremer fought off a defender and poked the puck past the sprawling Stampede goaltender to tie the game at 4:55. It was Bremer's 15th goal of the season and third in his last two games.
Neither team could break the 2-2 tie before the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime. Lincoln outshot Sioux Falls 16-7 in the third period.
The Stampede had a few chances on the cycle in overtime but were kept to the outside by the Stars defense. Towards the midpoint of overtime, Barbolini picked up a puck along his own blue line, beat a defender at the red line and drove down the slot along the left circle. The Miami University's shot beat Stauber underneath the left arm for the game-winner (and his 15th goal of the season).
Lincoln extended their winning streak to three games as Mucitelli made 29 saves to pick up his 13th victory of the 2019-20 campaign. Stauber allowed three goals on 38 shots in the loss.
The Stars were 1-for-6 on the power play and a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill, extending their streak to 16 straight successful kills.
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Lincoln will try to extend their win streak to four games as they finish off their two-game series with Sioux Falls at Denny Sanford Premier Center at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday night! Watch the game on HockeyTV or listen on MIXLR! ¬â¹
United States Hockey League Stories from February 22, 2020
- Storm Drop Overtime Decision to Rival Lancers 4-3 - Tri-City Storm
- Steel Beat Waterloo 5-2 In Battle Of Conference Leaders - Chicago Steel
- Lumberjacks Fall to Dubuque 3-2 in OT, But Complete a Successful Three-Point Weekend - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Steel Win Matchup of Top Teams - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Stars Blanked by Sioux Falls and Have Three-Game Winning Streak Snapped - Lincoln Stars
- Capitols Repeat History in Miracle on Ice Remake 40 Years Later - Madison Capitols
- Stauber, Herd Shutout Lincoln Stars 2-0 - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Venuto's Overtime Tally Lifts Dubuque 3-2 - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Penalties Prove Costly in 6-2 Defeat - Madison Capitols
- Preview: Storm Host Rival Lancers for "Miracle on Ice Night" - Tri-City Storm
- Phantoms Overcome Hawks' Comeback - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Barbolini's OT Goal Gives Lincoln Third Straight Win - Lincoln Stars
- Storm Force Overtime, Fall to Lancers 5-4 - Tri-City Storm
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