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USHL Madison Capitols

Bednard's 31 Saves Stymie Capitols as Phantoms Sweep

March 5, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release


Youngstown, OH - The Madison Capitols (20-23-4-3) put together a noted improvement from Friday into Saturday, but could not overcome the Youngstown Phantoms (24-16-4-5) on Saturday at the Covelli Centre, falling 4-1.

The Capitols responded after just a 23-shot output on Friday with a much more concerted shot-taking effort in the opening period Saturday. The Capitols created turnovers deep in the Youngstown zone on multiple occasions, but Ryan Bednard came up with big saves at point blank range on Marcel Godbout, Dmitri Buinitsky, and Guillaume Leclerc in his busiest period of the weekend.

At the other end, after withstanding an early Capitol charge, Youngstown broke the ice courtesy of star rookie Cam Morrison, who jammed home an in-tight rebound at the 5:08 mark to make it 1-0 Phantoms. The rookie moved into second in the USHL in goals with his 27th.

Ryan Edquist started in net for the Capitols and held the fort following Morrison's goal, including an important puck cover on a dangerous point bid from Matt Miller late in the first.

Madison was unrelenting in continuing to pressure Bednard's net in the second period, earning a multitude of scoring chances before finally breaking even at the 12:28. After the Caps sustained offensive zone time, Cooper Watson back-skated at the blue line to open a shooting lane, then twisted a shot on net. Luke McElhenie, setting up shop in front, tipped the aerial puck behind Bednard for his 12th of the season to tie the game, 1-1.

Youngstown threatened to re-take the lead on their first power play of the night in the final three minutes of period two, but Edquist answered with a pair of acrobatic saves on Morrison with the pad and glove on two dangerous bids from the Phantoms' leading goal scorer.

While the Capitols survived the dangerous Phantom power play, the final minute yielded a worse outcome for Madison. Luke McInnis jumped into the slot to intercept a Madison breakout pass and rip it over Edquist's shoulder to vault Youngstown to the 2-1 intermission lead with just 29 seconds left on the second period clock.

The Capitols could not find lady luck in the third period, as McElhenie hit his second post of the night in the third looking to equalize. Ultimately, the Caps could not find a second chink in Bednard's armor, and Lukas Craggs put the game away with his second goal in as many nights at 6:20, roofing a right wing shot over Edquist's glove to make it 3-1.

A last ditch effort to create offense with an empty net and extra skater backfired on the Capitols, as Matt Alvaro scored into the empty net to round out the scoring with 2:34 to go.

The Capitols finished their road swing with a record of 4-3-2-0. The Caps will finally return to the Alliant Energy Center for the first time in over five weeks for the next four games, which includes another stint with the Phantoms on Saturday, March 12 at 7:05 p.m.

March 11 marks the Capitols' Cross Check Cancer initiative, as proceeds from ticket package purchases will benefit the UW Carbone Cancer Center, in conjunction with UW Health Sports Medicine, the Capitols' 2015-16 presenting sponsor.

March 12 brings about the return of four-legged friends to the Coliseum on Pucks N' Paws night, presented by Animart. Dogs will be permitted into the Alliant Energy Center on game night, and each pup will receive a doggy goody bag!

For more ticket information regarding future Capitols games back at the Alliant Energy Center, please call (608) 257-CAPS or visit www.MadCapsHockey.com.

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