USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Saints defeat Bucs

Published on February 18, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


Dubuque, IA- The Dubuque Fighting Saints (24-9-7) took on their in-state and Western Conference rival, The Des Moines Buccaneers (21-16-3) Friday night at the Mystique Community Ice Center. It was the final regular season matchup between the two foes. After two losses last weekend, the Saints fell out of first place for the first time since November, and they were looking to get back to their winning ways against the Bucs.

Early on in the game, Des Moines was able to get several shots on net; some of them actually drawing iron. Midway through the first period, it appeared that the Saints had taken the lead on a puck that trickled into the net despite Bucs' goalie, Michael Shibrowski, sprawling out on the ice. However, the referee disallowed the goal because the whistle had been blown before the puck entirely crossed the goal line, much to the dismay of the Fighting Saint bench.

The Fighting Saints went to the powerplay three times in the game, but were unable to produce on the man-advantage. The only real opportunity for the Saints' powerplay came late in the third, in which the Saints forced several shots from right in front of Shibrowski, but he was able to stop them all.

Coach Jim Montgomery said that he was disappointed with his team's play in the first two periods of regulation, but was pleased with the way his unit responded in the third and in the overtime frame.

Both Shibrowski and Matt Morris kept a clean sheet through three periods, and then through the overtime period as well. Each net-minder faced 26 shots, and despite great efforts from both of them, the game would be decided by a shootout.

After Morris stopped Cal Decowski at the other end, Zemgus Girgensons shot top shelf, and hit the crossbar, which sent the puck off the back of Shibrowski and into the back of the net. Morris then stopped two of the next three shooters for the Bucs and John Gaudreau and Shane Sooth both tallied goals in the shootout to secure the victory for the Saints.

The Saints are now 3-3 in the shootout and have gotten the best of the seven game series with Des Moines going 4-2-1 overall against their rival.

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 18, 2011


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