Preview - Stars vs Buccaneers
Published on November 23, 2018 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
FRIDAY, NOV. 23, 2018 | 7:05 P.M. | BUCCANEER AREA
RADIO: LINCOLN STARS RADIO | WATCH: HOCKEYTV
Tonight's Contest:
The Stars (5-8-3-1) head to Iowa Friday to take on the Buccaneers (11-5-1-1) for their third meeting of the season.
Last Game:
Lincoln is coming off a 7-2 loss to Tri-City that saw an exchange of five goals in the final five minutes of the third. The Stars received tallies in the competition from Matthew Barbolini and Shane Pinto. Prior to the barrage of scoring, Lincoln had attempted to claw their way back from a 3-1 deficit but were undone by penalties. Jake Barczewski and Colby Ambrosio were the two largest obstacles to success, with the former making 20 saves on 22 shots, while the latter recorded a hat trick en route to a Tri-City win.
On the road against Fargo, Des Moines had a wild third period of their own. After falling behind 3-0 following Force goals from Josh Nodler, AJ Drobot, and Hank Crone, the Bucs rallied back in the final 4:50 of the third to tie the game. Reed Lebster notched his 10th tally of the year at 15:10. Rylee St. Onge picked up goal number five at 17:20. Luke Manning tied the game with just 1:20 left on the clock to send the contest beyond regulation. Following a scoreless overtime, the Bucs and Force headed to a shootout. Both Roman Durny for Des Moines and Ryan Bischel for Fargo pitched shutouts through the first three rounds of the shootout. Josh Nodler, scorer of the game's first goal, ended the contest when he bested Durny in round four.
Head-to-Head:
The Stars will make their third trip to Urbandale, Iowa this season having split the first two meetings with the Bucs. Game one saw the Stars carry play en route to a 4-2 win. Lincoln received scoring from Shane Pinto, Hunter Carrick, Josiah Slavin, and Devlin McCabe. Jacob Mucitelli was strong in the win, stopping 24 of 26. Des Moines saw goals from Patrick Schmiedlin and Matt Brown in defeat.
One week later the pair met again. Des Moines carried play early and scored the game's first two goals off of the efforts of Matt Brown and Kaden Bohlsen. Samuli Niinisaari brought the Stars back within striking distance in the early third, notching his first goal with the Stars. The late push was stymied by a TJ Walsh tally 14:17. One last attempt at a rally netted Lincoln Phil Lapointe's first goal of the season, but it would ultimately prove too little, too late as the Bucs held on for the 3-2 win.
By the Numbers:
GF: DM-3.83 (5th) to LIN-2.76 (15th)
GA: DM-3.06 (6th) to LIN-3.71 (12th)
PP: DM-14 for 69, 20.3% (9th) to LIN-11 for 72, 15.3% (15th)
PK: LIN-62 for 76, 81.6% (5th) to DM-61 for 79, 77.2 (12th)
What to Watch For:
Reinforcements on the Way:
The Stars have called up four affiliate players following a week of bumps and bruises sustained by their main roster. Returning for the third time is Aidan Thompson from Colorado Thunderbirds U16. The '02 has logged valuable minutes for the Stars in four games this season. Forward Owen Michaels will follow up a brief stint with USA's U17 roster last week with a call up to the Stars. The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies forward has been lighting it up at the U16 level, scoring 23 points in 23 games with the Grizzlies. Two forwards from Oakland will join him in Dominic James and Ben Steeves. James has four goals and 16 assists in 27 games with the Grizzlies, while Steeves has recorded 13 points in 17 games.
Road Woes Begone:
The Stars have struggled on the road this season, with their only win coming against the Buccaneers in their first meeting back on October 6th. Though the samples size is smaller, the Stars have managed just 13 goals in six away games in 2018-19. Lincoln's early attack in their first meeting with Des Moines is something they'd like to duplicate tonight. When the Bucs opponent scores first in games this year, the Bucs are just 3-4-1-1.
What can Brown do to you?
Matt Brown has menaced most of the USHL this season, emerging as one of its leading scorers through nearly two months of play. The New Jersey-born forward's speed and skill have been an issue for the Stars as he's notched goals in their first two contests, while also adding one assist. The '99 also leads the USHL in shorthanded goals with four, driving home the fact that Lincoln will need to account for him at all times this evening.
United States Hockey League Stories from November 23, 2018
- Chicago Extends Win Streak to Four Games, Beats Cedar Rapids 3-1 - Chicago Steel
- Muskegon Proves Too Much for Green Bay in 8-3 Win - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Stars Fall Inches Short against Buccaneers - Lincoln Stars
- Phantoms Capitalize on Opportunities - Youngstown Phantoms
- Flying Aces Rally to Defeat Team USA, 2-1 - Central Illinois Flying Aces
- Preview - Stars vs Buccaneers - Lincoln Stars
- Gameday Preview: Tri-City Set to Battle Omaha at Viaero Center - Tri-City Storm
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