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USHL Madison Capitols

Capitols' Gutsy Effort Forces Overtime Before Omaha Prevails

January 31, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release


Madison, WI- The Madison Capitols (17-12-7) lost a 2-0 lead, but battled back to force overtime before falling to the Omaha Lancers (21-11-5) on Saturday at the Alliant Energy Center.

In what was a quirky first period, Madison struck first thanks to the hard work of Sam McCormick. The De Pere, Wis. native was forechecking while the rest of his linemates changed, and the pesky McCormick was able to pick-pocket the Omaha defense and launch a quick snapper past Kris Oldham for his 10th of the season and second in as many games.

Just 3:20 later, the Capitols' other goal scorer from Friday, fellow Green Bay area native Jarod Zirbel, drove the net and deflected a Haralds Egle shot past Oldham at 10:16 to make it 2-0 Capitols.

Omaha did not convert on an early power play, but struck on a second chance, as Josh French picked up a Jake Henderson rebound and beat Darren Smith from the right side to put the Lancers back to within one at 14:03.

The second period quickly became the Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson show for Omaha, as their highly skilled center scored a pair of even strength goals to catapult the Lancers to a 3-2 lead.

First, the Boston University commit worked a perfect give-and-go rush with Nick Rivera, completeing the play by tapping a cross ice feed into an empty goal to tie the score at 10:36.

Then at 17:12, Forsbacka-Karlsson crashed the net along with Matt Joyaux and was able to find a pass from French and slide it into the cage to propel the Lancers to a 3-2 lead.

At the other end, Oldham shook off a tough first period, stopping multiple Capitols' chances, including breakaways by Freddy Gerard, Luke McElhenie, and Zirbel.

The Capitols and Lancers traded chances in the final frame, with neither team able to hit the net. Madison appeared to have a tying goal when Mitch Hults rang one off the post from the left circle, but the puck stayed out.

Finally, at 14:18 of the third, following a scramble near the slot area, McElhenie was able to get to a loose puck and swat it past Oldham on the backhand to force overtime, 3-3.

On a night where puck luck did not go Madison's way, Shane Gersich ended the evening by poking home a rebound in a scrum in front after a Nash Worden shot was stopped by Smith. The Madison goaltender turned aside 26 shots in the loss, while Oldham denied 28 Capitols efforts.

Madison stays on home ice for a crucial three-in-three weekend next Friday through Sunday as they host Waterloo and Youngstown (twice). Tickets for all contests are available by visiting the "Tickets" tab of www.madcapshockey.com or by calling (608) 257-CAPS (2277).

Friday's contest is another $1 Beer Night; special dollar beer night party packs are available for purchase by visiting the Capitols' web page. Saturday, Feb. 7 is Kessler's Diamonds giveaway night; the first 500 fans will receive a piece of cubic zirconium, one of which will be a true diamond. Sunday will be D.C. Eagle's birthday bash as mascots near and far will join the Capitols' eagle for a 3 p.m. start.

Tickets to all games can be purchased by calling (608) 257-CAPS.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 31, 2015


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