USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Fighting Five: Saints Host Gamblers in Big Matchup

Published on March 23, 2024 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, IA - The Dubuque Fighting Saints (35-12-3-3, 76 pts) continue a three-game weekend on Saturday when they host the Green Bay Gamblers (31-15-5-2, 69 pts).

Here are five things to know ahead of the matchup:

1. Strong Start

On Friday night against Madison, the Fighting Saints opened their three-game weekend with a 6-2 win. In the victory, the Fighting Saints scored twice in each period and converted twice on the power play.

Jake Sondreal, James Reeder and Noah Powell led the way, combining for three goals and four assists as a line to squash the Capitols. Sondreal scored twice and has 65 points to lead the team this season.

2. Påhlsson Parades

Erik Påhlsson went coast to coast to score his 10th power-play goal of the season on Friday night. It continued a torrid stretch for the Saints' third-leading point-scorer.

Over his last 13 games, Påhlsson has six goals and 14 points. He's failed to score a point in just one of those 13 games and has scored in three of the last four Saints contests.

3. Firing First

Andrew King's third goal of the season opened the scoring in Friday's win over Madison. It was the third-straight game the Fighting Saints scored first, all ending in Dubuque victories.

That stretch came after falling behind 2-0 in consecutive first periods two weekends ago against Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. Overall, the Saints are 23-8-1-1 when they score the first goal this season.

4. Golden Goaltending

Through seven March games, the Fighting Saints are 5-2 and their goaltenders have allowed just 13 goals. Dylan Johnson followed a 28-save shutout in Muskegon last Friday with 24 saves on 26 shots in Friday's win over Madison.

Last Saturday in Muskegon, Kevin Reidler stopped 37 of 38 shots. Reidler has won three of his four games this month, including a shutout on March 2 in Youngstown.

As a unit, the Saints netminders have stopped 186 of 199 shots. Over the course of the month, that is a .935 save percentage in the Saints' blue paint.

5. Ramblin' On

The Gamblers also won their third-straight game on Friday night, downing the NTDP U17s 7-2 at home. Charlie Russell led the way offensively, scoring twice and logging three points while Adam Gajan made 32 saves.

Green Bay, however, allowed both goals on the USA power play over six chances. The Gamblers' penalty kill is at 74.0% this season, the third worst in the USHL. In three games against the Saints, the Gamblers have allowed eight goals on 15 Saints power plays. The gap between the Saints and Gamblers at the top of the Eastern Conference sits at seven points entering play on Saturday.

Saturday's game begins at 7:05 p.m. CDT and tickets can be purchased here. The game can be found on Eagle 102.3 and FloHockey.

Check out the Dubuque Fighting Saints Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2024


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