USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Jacks Fight Back, But Saints Pull out Overtime Win

Published on January 29, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, Mich. (January 29, 2012) - An entertaining night at L.C. Walker Arena ended in unsavory fashion for the Muskegon Lumberjacks, as the Dubuque Fighting Saints came from behind for a 4-3 overtime win Sunday evening.

Muskegon led 2-1 after two periods but needed a final-minute goal from Ryan Lomberg, his fifth in six games, to send the game to sudden death. Dubuque scored twice earlier in the third to grab the lead back after scoring the game's first goal.

In overtime, the Jacks were shorthanded when goalie John Keeney stoned NHL prospect Zemgus Girgensons as he drove to the net. But seconds later, Dubuque defenseman Michael Downing, a University of Michigan recruit, ripped a shot through traffic and over Keeney's glove to win the game.

Adam Chlapik and Ryan Bullock netted first-period goals for the Jacks (10-18-4, 24 points), who finished a three-game weekend 0-1-2. Muskegon also fell 4-3 in OT Friday night against the National Under-17 Team.

Although the final result wasn't what they were seeking, the Jacks set a season-high with 37 shots on goal. Muskegon also outshot its opponent for the second-straight game and has scored at least three goals in seven consecutive matches.

The Saints (22-11-3, 47 points) moved to within two points of second-place Indiana with their second-straight road win. Dubuque was also playing its third game in as many nights; the defending Clark Cup champions lost Friday in Youngstown before beating the National Team in Ann Arbor Saturday.

A five-game homestand rolls on for the Lumberjacks, now 1-2-2 under new Head Coach Jim McKenzie. Muskegon hosts Cedar Rapids and Chicago next Friday and Saturday, respectively, at L.C. Walker Arena.

Sunday's game began tentatively for both sides, perhaps weary from the heavy recent schedule. Dubuque's Eliot Grauer got things jumpstarted with 7:18 left in the first when he broke into the Jacks' zone and centered for T.J. Moor, who pumped it past Keeney, making his 14th start in Muskegon's last 16 games. Less than two minutes later, the Lumberjacks tied the game. Chlapik won an offensive-zone faceoff back for Swedish defenseman Rasmus Bengtsson, who ripped a shot along the ice that Chlapik tipped through Dubuque goalie Connor Girard, making just his second USHL start.

Moments later, with Muskegon already on the power play, the Saints' Matthew Caito took a major penalty for boarding Jordan Masters from behind. Masters eventually returned to action after heading to the dressing room, as did Caito, who also received a game misconduct on the play.

The Jacks converted quickly on the ensuing 5-on-3 when Bullock blasted a blistering one-timer over Girard's glove with 1:47 left in the first. Bengtsson earned another assist for his first multipoint USHL game, and DeBlouw picked up the second helper, giving him points in four straight.

Muskegon's penalty kill was superb in the second, holding Dubuque off the board on four chances. The Jacks carried their lead into the third, a situation in which they were 9-1-2 entering the night, but the Saints quickly knotted things up.

Grauer beat Keeney with a wrist shot 3:34 into the third, as he led a 2-on-1 rush back into the Muskegon zone, giving the visitors new life. Grauer had Tyler Lundey open on the left wing but used him as a decoy before shooting.

The teams exchanged chances as the third period unfolded, with Gerard Hanson eventually breaking the tie with 4:13 remaining. The native of Sweden waited for Kevin Morris to screen Keeney before throwing a shot through the Muskegon goalie's legs from the bottom of the right circle.

Keeney was off the ice for an extra attacker when Muskegon tied the game with 59 seconds to go. Bullock held the puck in at the right point and drove it on net; Girard made the initial save but Lomberg crashed the crease and banged in the rebound.

Dakota Klecha and Lomberg nearly teamed up for the OT winner, but Bullock was whistled for tripping 46 seconds in. Near the end of the deciding power play, Downing teed up a 40-footer that sailed into the twine after Keeney fended off several Dubuque chances.

The Jacks host Cedar Rapids next Friday on Dollar Beer/Dollar Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell. Call the L.C. Walker Arena box office at 231.724.JACK(5225) for Lumberjacks tickets and information, or visit startickets.com or go to your local Meijer.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2012


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