O'Leary Scores Twice, Stars Pick up Win over Bucs
Published on April 14, 2021 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
URBANDALE, Iowa - Jack O'Leary scored twice, helping the Lincoln Stars (19-26-4) get back into the win column with a 5-1 victory over the Des Moines Buccaneers (23-19-4) at Buccaneer Arena on Tuesday night.
O'Leary lit the lamp early in the first period, finishing off an excellent feed from Aidan Thompson at 1:34. The Cornell commit set a career-high in points (28) with the goal, getting the Stars off on the right foot.
Simon Mack responded for the Bucs with a perfect shot from the right circle that was ruled to hit the back bar behind Aidan McCarthy and came out. The goal came at 6:46, knotting the game up at one. Jack Horbach was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct following a hit at 14:09, but Lincoln killed it off.
After one period, the Stars were tied, outshooting Des Moines 8-7.
The second period was a stalemate as both sides tried to jump out in front. Michael Mastrodomenico eventually cashed in on a Stars power play, ripping a shot from the deep slot past Derek Mullahy. Mastrodomenico's second goal of the year gave Lincoln a 2-1 lead at 15:14 and was assisted by Gleb Veremyev and James Stefan.
Following 40 minutes, the Stars led 2-1. They fired 15 shots on goal in the middle period. In the third period, Lincoln continued their dominance, limiting Des Moines' chances while getting their own on various counter-attacks. Dominic James doubled the Stars' lead at 6:32, potting his 11th goal of 2020-21.
Nick Nardecchia and Griffin Jurecki snagged the assists.
Nikolai Mayorov obliterated a pass from Clay Hanus over the right shoulder of Mullahy on a Stars power play midway through the third period for his team-leading 15th tally. Thompson provided the secondary helper on Mayorov's sixth goal on the man-advantage at 10:39.
O'Leary added his second goal of the game with an empty-netter later in the third, closing the book on a perfect performance on the road for Lincoln.
Lincoln outshot Des Moines 30-18 on Tuesday. McCarthy made 17 saves in his sixth win of the year. The Novi, MI native has limited opponents to seven goals in his last four outings.
The Stars were 2-for-7 on the power play and 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.
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Lincoln will travel to Ralston Arena to take on the Lancers for the last time in 2020-21 on Friday night! Watch the game on HockeyTV or listen on Mixlr.
United States Hockey League Stories from April 14, 2021
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- Schmid Repeats as Goaltender of the Week - Sioux City Musketeers
- Sasson Wins Second Forward Award - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Henry Thrun Captures Second USHL Defenseman of the Week Title - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Steel Embark on Final Road Trip of Regular Season - Chicago Steel
- O'Leary Scores Twice, Stars Pick up Win over Bucs - Lincoln Stars
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