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USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Dubuque Jumps out to Series Lead with 6-3 Win in Game 1

April 14, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, IA- A strong second period, and three points from defenseman Hayden Shaw propelled the Dubuque Fighting Saints to a 6-3 victory over the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in Game 1 of the USHL Eastern Conference Semifinal series. Dubuque's victory improved the club to 18-2 on home ice in the USHL Clark Cup Playoffs since the team's return to the USHL in 2010. Dubuque, who leads the best-of-five series 1-0, got goals from six different players.

Despite an early flurry of opportunities, Cedar Rapids goaltender Ryan Larkin kept Dubuque off the scoreboard and his teammates responded. Former Fighting Saint Andrew Gaus opened the scoring to give Cedar Rapids a 1-0 lead at 14:19 of the opening period. William Lagesson failed to clear the puck at the blue line, and despite Joe Wegwerth being stopped by Nehama, Gaus scored from the right side over the sprawled goaltender.

Lagesson would make up for the turnover in a big way just minutes later. The defenseman scored his first goal of the playoffs at 16:49 courtesy of a beautiful pass from Robby Jackson. The forward dug the puck out of the corner and dished it back to the left point. Lagesson walked in and snapped a shot past Larkin's blocker to make it 1-1.

Dubuque would be rewarded for a strong opening frame with a late goal to take the lead. The Fighting Saints, who outshot Cedar Rapids 16-7 in the first period, scored with less than 10 seconds on the clock. Jacob Benson scored his first goal of the playoffs on a broken play. The forward skated the puck in over the blue line and took a wrist shot. It was blocked by the Cedar Rapids defenseman, but the rebound popped right back to Benson. He skated in on goal and beat Larkin over the catching glove to make it 2-1 Dubuque.

The second period would see an explosion of goals in the final six minutes. Dylan Gambrell added to Dubuque's lead with a shorthanded goal at 14:18. The RoughRiders fumbled the puck at the blue line and Brett Boeing pushed the puck up ice to Gambrell. The forward lifted a backhander up and over Larkin's blocker for his first career USHL playoff goal to make it 3-1.

Two minutes later Willie Knierim deflected a Shaw wrist shot from the left point past Larkin to make it 4-1 Dubuque at 16:40. The RoughRiders would respond on a Jiri Fronk tap-in from the right side to make it 4-2 at 17:23.

However, it was Dubuque responding again on a rush up ice. Mitchell Smith fed the puck across to Shaw on the odd-man rush. The defenseman snuck in down the left wing and snapped a shot off Larkin's glove. The goaltender got a chunk of the puck, but not enough as Shaw scored to make it 5-2 at 18:44.

The teams would trade goals in the third period, but Dubuque's strong second period secured the victory for the Fighting Saints. Nehama was solid in goal stopping 28 shots to earn the win.

The best-of-five series continues on Friday night in Cedar Rapids at 7:05 p.m. for Game 2. Game 3 is Saturday in Cedar Rapids at 7:05 p.m. Both games can be heard on Super Hits 106.1 or viewed on FASTHockey.com. If necessary, Game 4 would be Monday night in Dubuque at 7:05 p.m. presented by Exceptional Dentistry. Those who have signed up for "Pay as We Play" will use the ticket for GAME B for this contest. Tickets for Game 4 are available and start at just $10. Fans may call 563.583.6880 to order or visit DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

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