Fighting Five: Saints Visit Black Hawks on Friday Night
Published on November 17, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
WATERLOO, IA - The Dubuque Fighting Saints (11-2-1-2, 25 pts) take on the Waterloo Black Hawks (6-7-0-0, 12 pts) on the road in a Dupaco Cowbell Cup contest on Friday night.
Here are five things to know ahead of the matchup:
1. Cowbell Cup
The Fighting Saints begin a stretch of five-straight Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchups with Friday night's game in Waterloo. Four of those five will be on the road with the Saints finishing this weekend in Cedar Rapids.
Dubuque will then play three-straight against Des Moines in the first three matchups of the year with the Buccaneers.
The Fighting Saints are four-time defending champions of the Cowbell Cup and are currently one point behind Des Moines for first place.
2. Bouncing Back
With a shootout loss last Friday against Youngstown, the Fighting Saints dropped a second-straight game for the first time this season. On Saturday, they answered with a 4-1 win after a dominating third period.
Saturday's win broke a tie with Youngstown for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
3. Påhlsson's Points
Forward Erik Påhlsson is surging into the Saints' road weekend with an eight-game point streak. Påhlsson leads the Saints and the entire USHL with 23 points so far this season.
In his eight-game streak, the recent commit to the University of Minnesota has five goals and 11 points.
4. Finish Strong
The Fighting Saints have been playing their best hockey in the third period of games this season. Dubuque has its highest offensive output of any period in the third with 32 goals.
In a win over Waterloo on Oct. 28, the Fighting Saints scored four goals in the third to leave with a 6-5 win. In last Saturday's win over Youngstown, the Saints scored three goals to break a 1-1 tie and reclaim sole possession of first place.
5. What about Waterloo?
Entering the last matchup between these two teams, Waterloo had won four-consecutive games. After the Saints' come-from-behind victory, Waterloo has won just once since.
The Black Hawks are led offensively by John Mustard, who has seven goals and 13 points. Mustard scored twice in the last matchup on Oct. 28.
Calvin Vachon has played eight of the last 10 games for Waterloo in net, but has yet to face the Saints. Vachon has a 5-2-0-0 record with a .903 save percentage.
Friday's game begins at 7:05 p.m. CST in Waterloo. It can be heard on Eagle 102.3 and seen on FloHockey.
United States Hockey League Stories from November 17, 2023
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- Fighting Five: Saints Visit Black Hawks on Friday Night - Dubuque Fighting Saints
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- The Aftermath: Storm Wins 6-3 Battle Over Lumberjacks - Tri-City Storm
- Bucs Win Fourth in a Row - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Romeo Responsible for Tragic Ending - Waterloo Black Hawks
- LSM Player Spotlight: Noah Barlage - Madison Capitols
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- Phantoms Acquire Daniel Jencko from the Malmo RedHawks - Youngstown Phantoms
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