Powell's Two Goal Game Helps U-18's to 4-1 Win over Dubuque
Published on February 20, 2020 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
In their lone battle of the season against the U-18 portion of the NTDP, Dubuque couldn't muster much offense in their 4-1 defeat. Eamon Powell scored twice to lead the offense and Drew Commesso made 20 saves in net. Dubuque dropped their 11th game of the season in the Thursday night defeat.
-In what was a fairly even first period, Team USA managed to come away with a 2-0 advantage. Powell started the scoring in the first and then Chase Yoder added to it late in the period. Commesso made a couple highlight reel saves, including a sliding glove save on Mark Cheremeta, to keep Dubuque off the board.
-The second period was determined by special teams and it ultimately determined the game as well. Team USA killed off two Saints power plays in the period and also scored twice on their man advantages. Powell, who only had four goals coming in to the game, scored his second of the night on the power play and Matt Beniers added a tap in goal.
-Last season's U-18 squad was a high-flying offensive juggernaut. This season's team is predicated on defense and it showed. In 42 games, the U-18's have allowed 100 goals.
-Dubuque was finally able to break through with just under eight minutes left in regulation. After a video review that did not go the Saints way, Kaelan Taylor's point shot was deflected in to the back of the net by Matthew Kopperud for his 15th of the season.
-Outside of that, the Saints didn't generate much on the offensive side of things. Team USA used their speed well in all three zones, but especially in the neutral zone to get back defensively.
-Erik Portillo was pulled after seven minutes of action in the second period. Aidan McCarthy stepped in and made 16 saves on 16 shots in a solid relief outing. The four goals are the second most Portillo has allowed this season as he was blitzed by the U-18's.
-With the win, Team USA snapped an eight-game losing streak. However, all eight loses were towards the U-17's. The game was the first in USHL play for the U-18's since December 13th.
-Dubuque will make a trip across Michigan to Muskegon where they face the Lumberjacks on Friday and Saturday to close out their regular season series. The Saints are 2-0 so far this year against Muskegon.
United States Hockey League Stories from February 20, 2020
- Powell's Two Goal Game Helps U-18's to 4-1 Win over Dubuque - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Weekend Preview: Three-In-Three Part: III - Omaha Lancers
- Saints Set for Three in Three in Michigan - Dubuque Fighting Saints
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