USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Third-Period Lead Fizzles in Loss to Riders

March 18, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Dubuque Fighting Saints opened up a first-period lead, but saw it disappear following two third-period goals by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in a 2-1 decision at The Stable on Friday night.

Hugh McGing and Cal Burke struck within a span of two minutes and 23 seconds to take the lead in the third period. They pushed the pace defensively, and goaltender Ben Blacker notched his 30th win of the season by making 23 saves in the effort, snapping a two-game losing streak.

Shane Kavanagh struck for the Fighting Saints in the losing effort at the 10:25 mark of the first period. He shielded the puck off of the nifty feed from Petter Mî=A4kitalo off the near half wall and powered a shot through to the top shelf to put the visitors up 1-0.

That lead stuck for over half of the game until McGing struck with a deflection off a slap pass in the high slot for his 20th marker of the season. Moments later, Burke took a centering pass from leading scorer Ross Colton off of a turnover in the neutral zone, stashing the puck home past the outstretched pad of goaltender Hunter Miska, leading to the go-ahead goal.

Miska made several key saves, 29 total, in the loss.

Cedar Rapids appeared to take the lead out of a netmouth scramble moments after McGing's tying goal, but the tally was washed out due to the net being lifted off of its pegs before the puck went into the open net.

Both teams went 0-for-2 on their respective power play chances. Dubuque powered 12 shots on goal in the final period, but was unable to come up with the tying goal.

Up next for the Fighting Saints is a return home on Saturday to face the Waterloo Black Hawks for Superhero Night at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 563.583.6880, or by going online to DubuqueFightingSaints.com. Saturday's game can be viewed on KCRG 9.2, and will be available on the flagship station of the Fighting Saints, Dubuque's Super Hits 106.1 FM.

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 18, 2016


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