Capitols Force Improbable Overtime Before Falling to Dubuque
Published on November 28, 2014 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release
Madison, WI- The Madison Capitols (8-6-4) wiped away a 4-1 third period deficit but could not hold on as the Dubuque Fighting Saints (13-5-0) outlasted Madison, 6-5, in overtime on Friday at the Alliant Energy Center.
The Eastern Conference rivals, separated by just a 90-minute drive, showed early signs of rivalry, as both teams were guilty of post-whistle penalties and pushing and shoving was evident throughout the game's first period.
Both teams had two first period power play opportunities, but neither could connect with the man advantage, but the Fighting Saints broke through at even-strength for the game's opening salvo.
After getting denied in tight on a turnover by Garrett Metcalf, Saints forward Evan Smith received a perfect diagonal pass in the right circle from Sasha Larocque and beat Metcalf to the glove side to give Dubuque the 1-0 lead at 15:27.
After a frustrating first period, Madison succumbed to the penalty box often in the middle frame, as the Capitols spent eight minutes in the box through the period's first ten minutes. Dubuque used the momentum to generate two quick goals, courtesy of Gordie Green on the power play at 3:21, then Ryan Stevens at even strength at 4:08.
Metcalf was relieved of his crease following the third tally in favor of Darren Smith, who was strong after entering the game to keep the game at just 3-0. It was the first time all season through 17 games that Madison faced a three-goal deficit.
The three-goal deficit would prove to be just temporary though. After picking up a power play opportunity at 17:08, it took Tyler Nanne just five seconds to get Madison on the board to cut the lead to 3-1. Madison has now struck for five power play goals in its last four games.
It looked like the Saints would put the game out of reach in the third period, taking a 4-1 lead on Seamus Malone's 5-on-3 goal.
However, Madison refused to go down easily, as Haralds Egle located a loose puck in the slot from Nanne to make it 4-2 at 7:11 of the third.
Just 2:05 later, Guillaume Leclerc raced in on a 2-on-1 rush and beat Saints goalie Gavin Nieto over the glove to make it 4-3 at 9:15 of the final period.
With the momentum shifting fast and furious, Madison completed the improbable charge when Charlie Gerard found a puck at the side of the crease and roofed it over Nieto to tie the game, 4-4, at 16:22.
Just 43 seconds after the euphoria of the tying goal, Jarod Zirbel sent the crowd into hysteria but wrapping a backhander through Nieto on the left post to put Madison on top 5-4 with just 2:55 remaining.
However, Dubuque proved they had some push-back themselves, as Willie Knierim located a loose puck in a sea of traffic just 24 seconds after Zirbel's tally to force overtime.
Off the overtime puck drop, the Fighting Saints saved their victory as Larocque backhanded a center pass off of a Capitol and into the net behind Smith to give Dubuque the 6-5 overtime win just 12 seconds into the extra period.
Madison, despite the heartbreaking defeat, registered at least one point in the standings for the seventh straight game dating back to Nov. 7.
The Capitols hit the road next weekend as they visit the Fighting Saints in Dubuque on Friday, Dec. 5 for a rematch before venturing to Green Bay to face the Gamblers on Saturday, Dec. 6. Both games have 7 p.m. puck drops and can be heard in their entirety on 106.7 FM, 1670 AM, The Zone, or online at www.madcitysportszone.com.
The Capitols return to home ice on Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13 for a pair of 7 p.m. games against the Chicago Steel and Bloomington Thunder. Kids will be admitted to all Madison Capitols home games free of charge (with the purchase of an adult ticket) in the month of December in conjunction with UW Health Sports Medicine.
To purchase your Capitols' flex packs, group outing tickets, and other ticket packages and save the most money off of box office prices, call (608) 257-CAPS (2277) or visit www.madcapshockey.com.
United States Hockey League Stories from November 28, 2014
- Physical Battle Turns Offensive as Phantoms Score Eight - Youngstown Phantoms
- Larocque's Overtime Goal Give Saints 6-5 OT Win - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Capitols Force Improbable Overtime Before Falling to Dubuque - Madison Capitols
- Thunder Top Team USA on Black Friday - Bloomington Thunder
- Jacob Gwillim Stops 27 in First USHL Start as Lumberjacks Fall at Home to Phantoms - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Top USA Prospects in Bloomington on Black Friday - Bloomington Thunder
- Youngstown Phantoms Game Notes - Youngstown Phantoms
- Caps Shoot for 5th Straight Win as They Host Saints - Madison Capitols
- Incredible Youth Jersey Giveaway Saturday Night - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Racer Joey Gase Highlights Black Hawks Organ Donor Awareness Night - Waterloo Black Hawks
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