Fighting Five: Dubuque Makes Final Trip to Des Moines
Published on February 17, 2024 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, IA - The Dubuque Fighting Saints (27-9-3-3, 60 pts) visit the Des Moines Buccaneers (15-23-4-0, 34 pts) for the final time this regular season on Saturday night.
Here are five things to know ahead of the matchup:
1. Captain Clutch
In his 100th career USHL game, Jake Sondreal scored twice on Friday night to help the Saints to a 6-3 win against Cedar Rapids. The captain is one of 11 USHL players to reach the 20-goal mark this season.
His two-point night extended his league-leading point total to 54, with his second goal tying Sondreal for the league-lead with 10 power-play goals.
2. Holding Strong
After surrendering a lead the previous week against Cedar Rapids, the Saints built a lead and held onto it for the second-consecutive game after the loss last Friday against the RoughRiders.
With a 4-1 lead in back-to-back contests, the Saints extended their lead on Friday with a trio of third-period goals to build their advantage up.
3. Frank Fires
Colin Frank scored his first goal since Dec. 9 in Friday's win. It was his seventh of the season, after he pressured a Riders defender and took the puck on a breakaway.
Frank fired the puck off the post and into the net to give the Saints their first lead of the game, which they only built upon the rest of the game.
4. Fire on the Deck
Special teams have played a key role in all six previous meetings between the Saints and Bucs this season. In Des Moines, the Saints have managed just one power-play goal in nine chances. That one goal, however, was the game-winner by James Reeder on Dec. 29. At home, the Saints have six goals on nine power-play opportunities against Des Moines.
Dubuque's penalty kill on the road in Des Moines has killed three of five chances as opposed to stopping 11 of 13 at home. The Buccaneers' penalty kill is 22% more effective at home than on the road.
5. Des Moines Detail
The Buccaneers fell at home on Friday night 4-1 to the Waterloo Black Hawks. Friday's contest was the second of a seven-game homestand for the Buccaneers.
Overall, the Bucs are 7-10-2-0 on home ice this season. In the three meetings between the teams at Buccaneer Arena, the Bucs took the first pair with one-goal victories before the Saints took a 5-3 win in the last meeting.
Saturday's game begins at 6 p.m. CST at Buccaneer Arena and can be found on Eagle 102.3 and FloHockey.
United States Hockey League Stories from February 17, 2024
- Third Period Comeback Leads Saints Over Bucs - Dubuque Fighting Saints
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- CR Slips Past Hawks - Waterloo Black Hawks
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- Brandt Strikes Twice, Caps Snap Skid with 5-4 Win - Madison Capitols
- Rewind: Reviewing Friday's Action in the USHL - USHL
- Lancers Fall Short in Fargo - Omaha Lancers
- Fighting Five: Dubuque Makes Final Trip to Des Moines - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Steel Drop Shootout Heartbreaker - Chicago Steel
- Storm Wins Shootout Decision Over Steel - Tri-City Storm
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