Wahlin's Heroics Propel Stars Past Muskies
October 30, 2021 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
The Stars took down the Sioux City Musketeers 3-2 in a shootout on Friday night at the Ice Box. Here are five things that happened.
1.) WAHL ME MAYBE
Lucas Wahlin started off the night by scoring the first goal of the game at 18:13. The 20-year-old re-directed a pass from Mason Marcellus through the arm of Alex Tracy for his third goal of the 2021-22 season and second in as many games.
The University of St. Thomas commit added another goal in the third period, putting Lincoln ahead 2-1. He had a few chances to secure the hat trick in regulation but saved his best for last in the shootout. With a chance to win the game in the bottom of the second round, Wahlin slipped a backhander through the legs of Axel Mangbo, giving Lincoln the extra point.
2.) FIRST TASTE OF THE SHOOTOUT
Friday's game marked the first time the Stars reached the shootout this season. In 2020-21, Lincoln was 1-1 in the shootout, last participating against the Musketeers in Sioux City on February 26th.
Ben Steeves, the former Lincoln draft pick, went first for the visitors, ringing the far side post in the top of the first round. Mason Marcellus was called on in the bottom of the first, going forehand to the backhand before lifting the puck over a sprawled Mangbo, giving the Stars the early advantage.
Charlie Schoen, another Muskie with Stars ties, was denied by the glove hand of Cameron Whitehead in the second round. This opened the door for Wahlin's eventual shootout winner. Lincoln scored on both their shots while the Musketeers came up empty.
3.) WHITEHEAD CONTINUES STREAK
Cameron Whitehead improved to 3-0-1 with the win, meaning he is undefeated in regulation through his first four USHL starts. The 18-year-old was solid in the first period, stopping all nine Sioux City shots. Connor Welsh's goal in the second was the only even-strength goal allowed by Whitehead on Friday. He made a great right-pad stop on Dylan James late in regulation and a shoulder save on Nick Pierre in overtime to help hold off the Muskies.
The Northeastern commit's stat line also consists of a goals-against average of 1.36 and a save percentage of .956.
4.) A CHANCE TO SWEEP
Lincoln has now won four straight Friday night games to kick off a weekend series. In two of the previous three, they've dropped the ensuing Saturday game. The Stars will head to Sioux City to take on the Musketeers, who should be a hungry group following Friday night's shootout loss.
Stars head coach Rocky Russo has stressed his team on not underestimating their opponent as Lincoln has the opportunity to jump Sioux City in the standings with the win on Saturday. Both teams have amassed 13 points, but the Musketeers have a game-in-hand.
5.) TRICK OR TREAT
Following Friday night's win, the entire Stars roster was out on the concourse, giving out candy and signing autographs for eager trick-or-treaters as part of their Boo at the Box promotion.
The guys handed out goodies for over 45 minutes, mingling with fans celebrating the holiday. If you weren't at the Ice Box on Friday, you missed one heck of a night.
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