USHL Madison Capitols

Caps Chasing Better Outcome in Rematch with Steel

Published on January 29, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release


Geneva, IL - The Madison Capitols (15-17-2-2) will begin a run of 13 road games in the next 14 contests as they visit the Chicago Steel (15-17-3-3) at the Fox Valley Ice Arena on Friday night for a 7:30 p.m. puck drop.

The head-to-head series sits at two wins per side through the clubs' first four matchups. The Steel have had the last laugh in the prior two games, including a gut-wrenching 3-2 overtime win in madison on Jan. 15.

After trailing 1-0 heading into the third period, the Capitols scored twice in the final frame to take a 2-1 lead into the game's final moments on tallies from Tyson McLellan (shorthanded) and Sam McCormick.

With about 45 seconds to play, with an empty net resting about 60 feet in front of him, Alex Payusov saw an insurance marker bid bound wide of the cage. Following an ensuing faceoff and timeout, Chicago worked the puck into the slot, and in a sea of traffic, Jack Gessert was able to spin a blind backhand shot, from a kneeling position, behind Garrett Metcalf to force overtime, where Chicago ended up winning 3-2 on a goal by Tanner Laczynski.

The Capitols have had a solid response since that defeat, winning three of four games, including each of the final three games on a season-long seven game homestand. Madison was 4-2-1-0 on home ice in the month of January overall, and the Caps have scored 15 goals in their last three victories combined.

The game in Geneva marks a second homecoming in the season series as ex-Steel forward Marcel Godbout returns to Fox Valley Ice Arena for his first road game against the team that dealt him in exchange for Haralds Egle earlier this month.

Chicago and Madison are both locked up in a chasedown of the final playoff spots in the USHL's Eastern Conference. Chicago enters play this weekend with 36 points to Madison's 34, but the Capitols have played two fewer games than the Steel. Chicago will enjoy home cooking the rest of the season, with 15 of their final 22 games taking place at the Fox Valley Ice Arena.

The Capitols, meanwhile, will continue to be road warriors through February and early March before ending their season with seven of their final 10 games at home ice.

After the Capitols tangle with the Steel, they will travel to Lincoln for a second battle with the Stars from the Ice Box. Puck drop on Saturday at the Stars' home is slated for 7:05 p.m. with coverage on 106.7 FM, 1670 AM, The Zone in Madison.

Fans can follow along with the Capitols' road trip on Facebook (Madison Capitols Hockey Club), Twitter (@MadCapsHockey) and Instagram (@MadCapsHockey). Live radio broadcasts can also be heard on the TuneIn app and www.MadCitySportsZone.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2016


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