USHL Madison Capitols

Caps & Jacks Meet; Madison Hoping for Bounce Back

Published on February 19, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release


Muskegon, MI - The Madison Capitols (17-20-3-3), who have earned standings points in each of their past four games, look to erase the memory of a 4-3 loss last Wednesday against the Muskegon Lumberjacks (16-19-2-3) as they begin a two-game set at the L.C. Walker Arena. Puck drop on Friday is set for 6:15 p.m. CT.

Friday night marks the second of five meetings between the Caps and Lumberjacks over a two-month span. Each team has won one matchup in the season series, with the Capitols taking a 4-0 decision on Oct. 10 in Muskegon before the Jacks' 4-3 shootout win on Feb. 10 at Bob Suter's Capitol Ice Arena.

The Capitols, trailing 2-1 heading into the third period last Wednesday, rallied to score twice in the first 1:30 of the final period and carried the 3-2 lead into the game's final minute. However, Madison's last minute woes reared their ugly head, as Grant Gabrielle one-timed his second goal of the night into the net, forcing overtime and eventually leading to the Muskegon victory. Dmitri Buinitsky scored his first USHL goal for the Capitols in the win, and the Capitols also received goals from Daniel Willett and Tyson McLellan that evening.

The Capitols have begun their month of February by posting a 2-1-1-1 record, raising their season point total to 40. In a two-game weekend in Omaha and Des Moines last weekend, Madison also received strong goaltending from newcomer Drew Hotte, who posted 65 saves over two games while generating a .929 save percentage.

Up front, the Capitols received a quartet of multi-point performances during a 4-2 win in Des Moines on Saturday. Buinitsky, McLellan, Eugene Fadyeyev and Luke McElhenie combined for four goals and five helpers as the Caps improved to 3-0-0-0 all time against the Buccaneers.

McElhenie registered his third multi-goal game of the season, as well as his team-best fifth game winner. The Sauk City native has the game-winning goal in three of the last four Capitol victories.

The Lumberjacks have stumbled ever since the victory in Middleton, dropping each of their last three games, including a sweep at the hands of the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Friday and Saturday. Muskegon has allowed three or more goals in each of its last six contests.

Offensively, the Muskegon attack continues to be powered by the two-headed monster of Rem Pitlick (USHL-best 27 goals and 51 points) and rookie Collin Adams (38 points). The duo has combined for 37.9% of the Lumberjack goals this season.

Following the two-day pit stop in Michigan, the Capitols' next road journey takes them to Viaero Events Center for a pair of matchups with the Tri-City Storm in the Capitols' first ever venture to Kearney, Neb. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26 for the first of two meetings.

The Capitols then return home for a two-game weekend on Friday & Saturday, March 11-12, at the Alliant Energy Center for a pair of 7:05 p.m. puck drops against Sioux Falls and Youngstown respectively.

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.

Check out the Madison Capitols Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2016


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