USHL Madison Capitols

Caps Score Four Unanswered to Defeat Top Seeded Chicago Steel and Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

Published on May 4, 2022 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release


The Madison Capitols advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals tonight behind four unanswered goals to down 1st seeded Chicago, 4-2 and take the best of three series, 2-1.

The Caps found themselves trailing 2-0, for the second time in as many nights, 5:27 into the 2nd period after a power play goal from Chicago. The Caps started their comeback just nine seconds later when Jake Dunlap fired home his team leading 4th goal of the post season. Jack Musa netted the equalizer with 6:34 remaining in the 2nd period when he blasted a rebound out front by Christian Manz. With 2:12 left in the middle frame, Luke Mittelstadt buried a power play goal from his signature left side spot to give the Caps their first lead of the night at 3-2.

Being 20 minutes away from a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, Madison played a shutdown defensive 3rd period to hold the Steel at two goals. With 16.4 ticks left in regulation, Jake Dunlap scored his second empty net goal of the series and second lamp lighter of the night, to secure Madison's spot in the next round.

Caps netminder Simon Latkoczy backstopped Madison to their fourth win of the postseason with 28 saves against his former team.

"This is truly a special group of guys," Capitols head coach Tommy Upton said. "They love being around each other every day and we as a staff love being around them everyday. Tonight, our time together was on the line, and I'm really proud of the way the guys responded especially after facing adversity last night. It showed in this series how tight-knit our team is. Losing last night and going down 2-0 tonight and staying with our game. I'm just really proud of this team and I love coaching them."

The Caps will take on the Muskegon Lumberjacks in a best-of-5 series starting Friday, May 6th. Games 1 and 2 will be on the road in Muskegon while game 3 and game 4 (if necessary) will be at Bob Suter's Capitol Ice Arena.

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