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USHL Madison Capitols

Capitols Have No Answers for Red-Hot Saints

December 29, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release


Madison, WI - The Madison Capitols (10-14-1-2) could not withstand a six-goal, 40-minute barrage and the Dubuque Fighting Saints (19-8-0-0) completed a season series sweep of the Caps with a 6-1 win on Tuesday at the Alliant Energy Center.

The Capitols' night began inauspiciously as the Fighting Saints, winners of their last seven games entering play, raced out of the gates. Willie Knierim quickly put Dubuque on top at 4:51 of the opening period, re-directing a centering pass through Garrett Metcalf.

The Saints' onslaught continued as Michael O'Leary won a race to the far post after a first-shot miss to tuck it home at 10:20 to make it 2-0.

The Capitols would get one back at the 12:38 mark as Alex Payusov continued his torrid roll, walking to the front of the net and beating Hunter Miska on a turnaround shot for his 11th of the year.

The 2-1 score would not last long either, though, as the Saints took advantage of a penalty call on Capitols' newcomer Brody Stevens. Petter Makitalo one timed a beautiful Shane Kavanagh pass off the stick of a diving Metcalf and into the twine at 14:45.

O'Leary then struck for his second of the period, again winning a race to a puck just outside the left pipe with just 1:06 left in the first to make it a 4-1 intermission lead.

The Fighting Saints would not let their foot off the accelerator. Entering play, the Saints had scored four or more times in five of their prior six games, including a seven-goal explosion Sunday against Youngstown.

Gordie Green and Casey Johnson would add top-shelf connections in the second period to push the Dubuque advantage up to 6-1 heading into the third.

The Capitols came back to top the Saints in shots on goal, 32-29, but it was of little consolation. Miska finished with 31 saves for his 17th win of the season and sixth straight over the Capitols.

Madison hits the road hoping for a bounce back on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Green Bay for a New Year's Eve tilt with the Gamblers in the Wisconsin Cheese Cup series. The Capitols can clinch at least a tie of the season series with a win, having won three of the first five meetings. They then visit the Bloomington Thunder on Saturday for a 7 p.m. contest.

The Capitols return home to start a seven-game homestand on Jan. 8 against the Sioux City Musketeers for New Year's Resolution/Fitness night! Local gyms and health clubs will be on hand to help fans spring into the New Year on the right foot! Tickets for all Capitols home games are available by calling (608) 257-CAPS (2277) or by visiting www.MadCapsHockey.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 29, 2015


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