Lumberjacks Top Dubuque 3-1 Friday to Take Series Lead
May 1, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
MUSKEGON, MI-The Dubuque Fighting Saints threw everything they had at the Muskegon Lumberjacks goal, but Eric Schierhorn and the Lumberjacks defense were nearly insurmountable. Despite a late goal from Jacob Benson, Muskegon prevailed with a 3-1 victory over the Fighting Saints in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. Schierhorn stopped 46 shots to put Dubuque in a must-win situation in Game 4, which is tomorrow night at the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon.
Muskegon's dominated Dubuque in the opening period, outshooting the Fighting Saints 19-7 and taking a 2-0 lead. Tom Marchin opened the scoring for the Lumberjacks on the power play at the 8:59 mark. Corey Schueneman fired a wrist shot to the net that was deflected by Marchin in the high slot. The puck beat Dubuque goaltender Jacob Nehama five-hole to make it 1-0 Lumberjacks.
Muskegon would get a fortunate bounce at the 14:55 mark to double its lead to 2-0. The Lumberjacks raced up ice on a two-on-one break. Griffen Molino took a wrist shot that Nehama stopped with his right pad. The puck popped loose and Dubuque defenseman Wyatt Ege attempted to clear the front of the net. He shot the puck towards the corner, but it hit Muskegon forward Matej Paulovic in the leg and rolled into the net.
The second period saw Dubuque put forth a strong effort outshooting the Lumberjacks 19-4, but the score remained 2-0. Dubuque had several grade-A opportunities, but the Lumberjacks defense played a large part. Trevor Hamilton came up with a key block on a chance for Brett Boeing, which looked like a sure goal with Schierhorn well out of position.
Dubuque had another golden opportunity in the third period shorthanded that Schierhorn managed to stop. The goaltender wandered from his net and had a pass intercepted by Dubuque's Nathan Sucese. The Dubuque forward attempted to wrap the puck in front, but Schierhorn dove back and kept the shot out at the goal line.
Dubuque would finally strike with 2:58 on the clock and Nehama on the bench. A goalmouth scramble saw Benson poke a rebound over the goal line to make it 2-1.
Dubuque would pull Nehama again, and with 1:52 on the clock Molino hit the empty net to make it 3-1 Muskegon.
Game 4 is tomorrow night at the L.C. Walker Arena. Puck drop is 6:15 p.m. central time and the game can be heard on Super Hits 106.1 FM. Dubuque must win to force a deciding Game 5 Tuesday, May 5 at the Mystique Community Ice Center. The Fighting Saints will be hosting a Watch Party from tomorrow's Game 4 at Hammerheads at 2095 Kerper Boulvard in Dubuque.
United States Hockey League Stories from May 1, 2015
- Stampede Win Game 3 on Late Schwalbe Goal - Tri-City Storm
- Schwalbe's Late Goal Gives Stampede to 2-1 Series Lead over Tri-City - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Eric Schierhorn Shines as Lumberjacks Regain Conference Final Series Lead at 2-1 - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Lumberjacks Top Dubuque 3-1 Friday to Take Series Lead - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- U.S. Downs Finland, 5-1, at IIHF Men's Worlds Opener - U.S. National Team
- Thunder Prepare for 2015 USHL Draft - Bloomington Thunder
- Capitols Begin Year Two with USHL Draft - Madison Capitols
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