
Thunder Earn Point, Fall in Overtime
April 8, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release
MADISON, Wisconsin - The Bloomington Thunder were able to pick up apoint on the road against the Madison Capitols, but ultimately fell 2-1 in anovertime finish. The Saturday night game ends the season series between theteams and also is the final road game of the year for the Thunder. Bloomingtonwon the season series 3-0-1-0 against the Capitols and are 20-9-1-0 this seasonon the road. The Thunder (36-18-3-1) this season are in fourth place in theEastern Conference following the game.
Bloomington opened thescoring in the game, netting the opening goal at the ten-minute mark of thefirst. Tarek Baker (University ofWisconsin) made a move from his skate to his stick around the defender. Inhis hometown, earned the assist on the goal, sending the puck to the creasewhere Steven Merl (University ofMichigan) battled and knocked it into the net. Merl has three this seasonand Baker improved to his 28th assist this season.
Stopping 13 shots in theperiod was Hayden Lavigne (University ofMichigan). The game high shots in the first featured a couple prime chancesfor the Capitols. He also helped the Thunder to an overall of 26 saves in thegame. Lavigne has now garnered points in 10 of his last 11 games.
The Capitols came back withpressure to start the second period. While the start of the game was freeflowing with very few whistles, the second slowed at times as the Caps sent 11shots on net. Less than four minutes left in the period, the puck bouncedaround off skates before Eetu Selanne foundit in front. His quick move along the top of the crease tied the game.
A switch was flipped in thethird period as the Thunder peppered Capitols goaltender Drew Hotte with 12 shots. Right off the bat the team had chancesincluding a shot that rang off the post from Mitchell Chaffee. JeremyDavies (Northeastern University) was also stopped on a breakaway followingone of two successful penalty kills. The game made it's way down the wire withboth teams picking up the intensity, seeking the win.
Going to overtime, theThunder took control early. On their first rush, Baker and Logan Lambdin (Michigan State University) had chances on a puck inthe crease, but Hotte came up with a big pad save and covered. Madison cappedit off with a goal on a strange play. AlexPayusov (University of Connecticut) cycled in the zone before he was met byPat Curry (Boston University) on theboards. Curry lost his helmet in the battle and had to make his way off theice. That's when Payusov made his way to the net to score the game winner. His17th goal this season finished the night as Hotte stopped 26 shotson net for the Capitols.
United States Hockey League Stories from April 8, 2016
- Steel Roll To 5-1 Win Over Muskegon - Chicago Steel
- U.S. Men's National U18 Team Downs Finland, 6-1, in Pre-Tournament Contest - U.S. National Team
- Kavanagh Provides Dagger Goal in Crucial Home Win - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Thunder Earn Point, Fall in Overtime - Bloomington Thunder
- Stampede Clinch Playoff Berth in Front over 10,000 Fans - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Lumberjacks Fall to Steel 5-1 - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Goransson Sets Defenseman Assists Record in 5-4 Loss to Omaha - Tri-City Storm
- Gamblers Fall in Lincoln - Green Bay Gamblers
- Colton Gives RoughRiders the Cup - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Lancers Hold off Storm, 5-4, in Front of 3,732 - Omaha Lancers
- Payusov's Pretty Play Closes Home Slate with a Bang - Madison Capitols
- Stars Top Gamblers, 4-1 - Lincoln Stars
- Phantoms Cruise Past USA for Sixth Straight Victory - Youngstown Phantoms
- Stampede Set USHL Single Season Attendance Record for Second Straight Year - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Steel to Donate to Geneva Academic Foundation Scholarship Fund - Chicago Steel
- Kane County Cougars Fans Offered Free Tickets to Steel Game Friday - Chicago Steel
- Thunder Cap off Road Games in Madison - Bloomington Thunder
- 2016-17 U.S. Men's National Under-17 Team Announced - U.S. National Team
- Stars to Close Regular Season against Gamblers - Lincoln Stars
- Caps Celebrate Fans in Home Ice Finale Friday - Madison Capitols
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