Quick-Strike Offense Solves Lumberjacks
Published on February 12, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, Iowa - In all three periods, the Dubuque Fighting Saints struck within the first 80 seconds. Those three goals paved the way for the Fighting Saints' 3-2 win over the visiting Muskegon Lumberjacks at the Mystique Community Ice Center on Friday night.
Nathan Sucese tallied twice in the victory, and extended his team-lead in goals to 17. His early power play tally in the third period was the game-winning goal, as after a mad scramble in front of the Muskegon net, he pounced on a loose puck and slammed home the massive rebound let out by Devin Cooley. That goal came at the 40-second mark of the final frame.
His first goal, 48 seconds into the second period, resulted from a delicious dish by Petter Mî=A4kitalo. He found the top corner of the net with his shot from point-blank range, and put the Fighting Saints on top 2-1 at the time.
A response from Muskegon came nine minutes after Sucese's second goal on a breakaway opportunity. Former Cedar Rapids RoughRider Tyler Irvine stashed a backhander by Fighting Saints goaltender Jaxon Castor, cutting the lead to one. That, however, was as far as the Lumberjacks would get.
Willie Knierim also scored for the Fighting Saints, his ninth of the season, just over 70 seconds into the game. Cooley coughed the puck up behind his net, and Knierim took full advantage by wrapping the disc home into a vacant cage.
After Knierim's goal, and a subsequent Saints power play, Castor held the fort for Dubuque. His back-to-back big saves on Matej Paulovic and Robbie DeMontis shorthanded breakaways kept the score 1-0. It could have easily turned the other way.
Muskegon eventually responded to Knierim's goal with a power play tally from Collin Adams, tying the game. The Lumberjacks' second-ranked power play showcased tic-tac-toe passing by Rem Pitlick and Paulovic, setting Adams up at the side of the goal. His wrist shot elevated over a sprawled Castor.
The Arizonan remained solid and held strong in the waning moments of the Lumberjacks' final push, making 24 saves en route to the fifth victory of his USHL career.
Dubuque outshot Muskegon 34-26 for the game, and in two of the three frames of the action on Friday night. Muskegon held a slim 9-8 advantage in the third period.
These two teams will be back at it tomorrow night starting at 7:05 p.m. to wrap up the season series. Tomorrow night's game will offer TH Media Family Four Packs, and a Skate With the Saints session after the game. For tickets, call the box office at 563.583.6880, or go online to DubuqueFightingSaints.com.
United States Hockey League Stories from February 12, 2016
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- Five Unanswered Goals Propel Phantoms over Fargo - Youngstown Phantoms
- Lumberjacks Fall to Dubuque 3-2 - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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