Stars Blanked by Sioux Falls and Have Three-Game Winning Streak Snapped
February 22, 2020 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Jake Mucitelli made 31 saves, but the Lincoln Stars (21-17-5) were shutout 2-0 against the Sioux Falls Stampede (20-17-6) at the Denny Sanford Premier Center on Saturday night.
Raimonds Vitolins was able to find the back of the net at the 4:43 mark of the first period, registering his sixth goal of the season. The Stars outshot Sioux Falls 10-9 but were trailing following the first set of 20 minutes.
The second period saw almost double the number of penalty minutes (32) than shots on goal between the two teams (18). Lincoln and Sioux Falls exchanged abbreviated power plays towards the halfway point of the frame, disrupting the flow of a 5-on-5 game. Brad Morrissey and Will Dineen were given 10-minute misconducts following the conclusion of 40 minutes, signaling a preview of what was to come in the third.
After two periods, the Stars remained down 1-0 and were outshot 19-18. ¬â¹
In the third period, the penalties continued. Morrissey would get another 10-minute misconduct at the 12:27 mark (along with a roughing minor) after he was high-sticked by Isaac Henkemeyer-Howe. Christian Sarlo would receive a roughing minor at 15:25, causing the Stars to further mix and match their forward lines.
Lincoln had a few more looks at the equalizer with Mucitelli pulled for the sixth attacker, but Henkemeyer-Howe scored an empty-net goal right at the final buzzer.
The Stars had their three-game winning streak snapped with the loss, but their penalty kill was a perfect 5-for-5, increasing their run to 21 consecutive kills. Lincoln's power-play was 0-for-5. Mucitelli turned aside 31 of 32 shots while Jaxson Stauber picked up the shutout with 30 saves.
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Lincoln will wrap up their road trip with a Sunday afternoon matchup with the Omaha Lancers at 4:05 p.m. at Ralston Arena. Watch the game on HockeyTV or listen for free on MIXLR! ¬â¹
United States Hockey League Stories from February 22, 2020
- Storm Drop Overtime Decision to Rival Lancers 4-3 - Tri-City Storm
- Steel Beat Waterloo 5-2 In Battle Of Conference Leaders - Chicago Steel
- Lumberjacks Fall to Dubuque 3-2 in OT, But Complete a Successful Three-Point Weekend - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Steel Win Matchup of Top Teams - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Stars Blanked by Sioux Falls and Have Three-Game Winning Streak Snapped - Lincoln Stars
- Capitols Repeat History in Miracle on Ice Remake 40 Years Later - Madison Capitols
- Stauber, Herd Shutout Lincoln Stars 2-0 - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Venuto's Overtime Tally Lifts Dubuque 3-2 - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Penalties Prove Costly in 6-2 Defeat - Madison Capitols
- Preview: Storm Host Rival Lancers for "Miracle on Ice Night" - Tri-City Storm
- Phantoms Overcome Hawks' Comeback - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Barbolini's OT Goal Gives Lincoln Third Straight Win - Lincoln Stars
- Storm Force Overtime, Fall to Lancers 5-4 - Tri-City Storm
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