USHL Madison Capitols

Payusov's Pretty Play Closes Home Slate with a Bang

Published on April 8, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release


Madison, WI - The Madison Capitols (25-26-5-3) exerted plenty of pressure in a back-and-forth battle with the Bloomington Thunder (36-18-4-1) before coming out on top 2-1 in overtime on Friday at the Coliseum.

The fans were treated to a thrilling back-and-forth, fast pace in the game's opening eight minutes, with both teams trading shots and steady defensive acts.

Hayden Lavigne was on his game in the first 20 minutes for Bloomington, stopping all 13 Capitols shots that came his way.

At the other end, Drew Hotte had his share of work as well, stopping 10 shots, including a sprawling pad save on leading Thunder goal scorer Logan Lambdin in tight.

Despite the strong start for the Capitols, Bloomington would get off and racing first. Verona native Tarek Baker roared up the left wing and tried a short-side offering at Hotte's crease. While the goalie made the save, the rebound squirted into the crease, where one-time Capitol property Steven Merl tapped it home at 10:03 to put the Thunder up 1-0 after one period.

Despite trailing into period two, the Capitols were relentless in the offensive zone, letting their forecheck go to battle and wear down the Bloomington defense. They needed to dodge one major bullet, killing off the ever-dangerous Bloomington power play after Cole Hults took a slashing minor at 13:08.

From there, the home team got a jolt from the Fan Appreciation Night patrons, and Eetu Selanne rewarded the faithful with 3:36 left in the period. Mick Messner worked the puck free, backtracking to the left point before lifting a shot in front. Selanne tipped it off the pad of Lavigne before cleaning up the garbage for his sixth goal the year and first since Jan. 8 to tie the score heading into the third.

In the third period, both teams came dangerously close to breaking the 1-1 tie. First, Mitchell Chaffee rang a shot off the pipe coming down the left wing side against Hotte.

Moments later, the Capitols got a power play chance, where Eugene Fadyeyev narrowly missed an open net off a gorgeous setup from Dmitri Buinitsky.

After the Caps could not succeed on the power play, it was Bloomington with the best bid of the period, as Jeremy Davies stepped out of the box and walked in on Hotte unimpeded. Despite a creative deke to the forehand, Davies could not beat Hotte, who sprawled out to make a right pad save.

The two teams could not beat the strong goaltenders, and so overtime was required. From there, Alex "Sasha" Payusov took over. After controlling the puck on a string for the better part of close to 45 seconds, Payusov noticed Patrick Curry lose his helmet. By rule, he had to leave the ice, opening up room for Payusov to scoot to the slot and beat Lavigne on a wrist shot to secure the 2-1 win for the Capitols, their franchise best 15th at home and 25th overall on the season.

The Capitols will finish their 2015-16 season on the road Sunday in Chicago against the Steel. Puck drop is set for 3 p.m. on 106.7 FM, 1670 AM, The Zone.

For more information regarding 2016-17 season tickets and other packages at the Alliant Energy Center, please call (608) 257-CAPS or visit www.MadCapsHockey.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from April 8, 2016


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