Early in the first period, Steel forward Robert Mastrosimone went hard into the end boards and struggled to get to his feet. Mastrosimone would attempt another shift before being sent off to the dressing room for the remainder of the contest. The projected first or second round draft pick was a huge loss to the Steel’s game plan.

Sioux Falls scored first when forward Anthony Romano beat Steel goaltender Justin Robbins with his first goal of the playoffs. The power play goal was assisted by forwards Austen Swankler and Ethan Phillips.

Although outshooting the Stampede in the first period 11–4, the Steel entered the first intermission trailing 1–0.

The second period saw the Stampede extend their lead to 3–0 when right wing Blake Bride and center Sam Stevens both found the back of the net. The Stampede outshot the Steel 9–5 in the second period.

Early in the third period, Steel forward Josiah Slavin shortened the Stampede lead 3–1. The goal, assisted by forwards Nick Abruzzese and Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, was the Blackhawks prospect’s fourth goal of the playoffs.

With just under six minutes left in the game, Chicago head coach Greg Moore pulled Robbins in hopes of cutting into the Sioux Falls lead, but goals by Stampede forward Jared Westcott and defenseman Ryan Johnson would seal the deal for Sioux Falls.

Chicago finished the game outshooting Sioux Falls 21–17, but the Stampede would take the Clark Cup Final with the 5–1 victory.

The post Chicago Steel swept by Sioux Falls in Clark Cup Final appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel fell behind after the Sioux Falls Stampede scored a pair of second period goals and could not score in the final seconds after the Stampede retook the lead, falling 3–2.

The Stampede controlled much of the first period as both teams appeared to a bit rusty after a few days off between the Conference Final and the Clark Cup Final. Sioux Falls outshot Chicago 10–4 in the first period, but neither team was able to find the back of the net in the period.

Sioux Falls forwards Carl Berglund and Andre Lee scored in the first seven minutes of the second period giving the Stampede a 2–0 lead.

.@sfstampede SCORE
Check out GOAL from ICE LEVEL #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/fZkBd4zuPW

— USHL (@USHL) May 11, 2019

Andre Lee keeps the goal going!#BeHerd pic.twitter.com/W8YlSMw27L

— Sioux Falls Stampede (@sfstampede) May 11, 2019

At the 11:04 mark in the second period, Steel forward Josiah Slavin put the visitors on the board after beating Stampede goaltender Jaxson Stauber. The goal, assisted by forwards Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and Mathieu De St. Phalle, was Slavin’s third goal of the postseason.

Josiah Slavin gets @chicagosteel on the board! #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/arbRprVm12

— USHL (@USHL) May 11, 2019

Chicago tied the score early in the third period when defenseman John Spetz beat Stauber with a blast from the point. The goal, assisted by defenseman Owen Power, gave Spetz three goals in the playoffs.

That thing had smoke comin' off it! @chicagosteel John Spetz with a blast to even this game up at #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/iH58z5JsrC

— USHL (@USHL) May 11, 2019

Stampede forward Jared Westcott scored with just under five minutes to play in the game to give the home team the 3–2 lead late in the game. Chicago put a ton of pressure on the Stampede but could not tie the game. With the victory, the Stampede took a 1–0 lead in the Clark Cup Final.

Jared Westcott! And the Herd are back on top!

pic.twitter.com/W81MaBwP0z

— Sioux Falls Stampede (@sfstampede) May 11, 2019

Sioux Falls 3, Chicago 2 (OT2)

After losing the first game of the Final, the Steel came out and scored the first goal of Game 2, but could not take back home-ice advantage after falling to Sioux Falls 3–2 in double overtime. The hard-fought game was an instant classic for USHL fans.

Fontaine continued his hot playoff scoring his sixth goal of the postseason. Forward Robert Mastrosimone and defenseman Uula Ruikka assisted on the play. The goal gave the Steel their first lead of the Clark Cup Final.

Gunnarwolfe Fontaine sends one howlinnnnnn' off the post and in @chicagosteel lead 1⃣-0⃣ after #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/DSTztnIScC

— USHL (@USHL) May 12, 2019

The Steel would outshoot the Stampede 12–6 in the second period, but the home team was the only team to score in the period when defenseman Max Crozier beat Steel goaltender Justin Robbins, at the 15:41 mark of the period. The Crozier goal was the Providence College commit’s fourth goal of the playoffs.

Max Crozier gets Sioux Falls on the board with a blast from the point @sfstampede ties it at #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/TeWg5Eim56

— USHL (@USHL) May 12, 2019

Mastrosimone took back the lead for the Steel with his seventh goal of the playoffs, beating Stauber blocker side on the power play. The goal was assisted by Fontaine.

Mastrosimone out here poppin' bottles with a one-timer snipe on the PP! @chicagosteel #ClarkCup #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/1yW1j2Y3a8

— USHL (@USHL) May 13, 2019

The Stampede tied the game with just under three minutes left in the game when forward Sam Stevens beat Robbins with an unassisted goal, scoring off the draw as the referee dropped the puck.

Blink and you'll miss it
Sam Stevens off the puck drop!! @sfstampede tie this game to force #ClarkCup Final OVERTIME pic.twitter.com/DWY9U4TqCi

— USHL (@USHL) May 13, 2019

Both teams would fend off chances throughout the first overtime, forcing a second overtime. At the 16:05 mark in the second overtime, Lee beat Robbins glove side for the 3–2 victory and a 2–0 lead in the Clark Cup Final.

Andre Lee is the DOUBLE OVERTIME HERO @sfstampede take a 2-0 series lead in the #ClarkCup Final #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/qmOU5TBFEZ

— USHL (@USHL) May 13, 2019

The post Chicago falls in double overtime, trails Clark Cup Final 2–0 appeared first on The Rink.

“We stole a game by tying it late and finding a way in overtime with a real nice play from Mastro (Robert Mastrosimone),” said Chicago forward Nick Abruzzese. “We got into some penalty troubles and it was important to get that game. It’s now a best-of-three series.”

Chicago has taken the five days between games to regroup and sharpen up their overall game in practice.

The team did not skate on Monday after a late night of travel back from Muskegon but will practice each day leading up to Friday’s game with the Lumberjacks.

“It’s been nice to have some time off to recover,” Abruzzese said. “If we stay out of the penalty box we can be very successful as a team. Five-on-five we can play fast through the neutral zone and use that to our advantage.”

With home-ice advantage back in the Steel’s favor, Friday will be a hard-fought contest between two very talented teams. Both Chicago and Muskegon are filled with next level players that have already been drafted or will hear their names called this summer.

Chicago Blackhawks fans can come out and get a look at two of their prospects already in the organization in Muskegon forward Mikael Hakkarainen and Chicago forward Josiah Slavin.

This year’s NHL Draft will most likely bring the names of Abruzzese, Mastrosimone, Egor Afanasyev, Jackson LaCombe and Alex Yakovenko to the forefront on draft night. However, both teams have plenty of unfinished business.

“Putting in the hard work and being recognized is pretty cool, but, at the same time, it does not mean anything for this weekend,” Abruzzese said. “I try to be the best player I can be and help our team win.”

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago heads home with series tied 1–1 for games for Games 3 and 4 appeared first on The Rink.

Center Nick Abruzzese registered five points in a 6–3 victory over the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in game one of the Eastern Conference semifinal matchup. Abruzzese scored twice and assisted on three Steel goals to help secure the game one game victory.

Chicago opened the scoring when defenseman Matteo Pietroniro fired a shot from the point which found its way through a screen, beating Cedar Rapids goaltender Blake Pietila. Pietroniro’s goals was assisted by defenseman Jimmy Dowd and Abruzzese.

Cedar Rapids tied the game when forward Jerry Harding beat Steel goaltender Justin Robbins tying the game at 1–1 midway through the opening period.

Harding would not be done for the evening, scoring his third goal of the playoffs and second of the game, beating Robbins shorthanded to give the RoughRiders their only lead of the evening at 2 – 1.

With the early second period goal which gave Cedar Rapids the lead, Chicago scored three straight goals to take a 4–2 lead mid-way through the period.

Defenseman John Spetz opened the barrage with a nice goal assisted by Abruzzese and Neil Shea firing a shot past Pietila.

Forward Christian Sarlo scored only 37 seconds before Abruzzese to extend the Chicago lead to two goals. Sarlo buried a nice feed from forward Travis Treloar, while Abruzzese scored on a Pietila rebound off a shot from forward Robert Mastrosimone.

Never leave the Bullshark in open water
Mastrosimone finds Abruzzese lurking @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/IGCLl1QYFj

— USHL (@USHL) April 21, 2019

Cedar Rapids scored with 36 seconds remaining in the second period to cut the Steel lead to 4–3 when forward Max Sasson scored his second goal of the playoffs.

The third period would be all Chicago’s when Shea and Abruzzese scored to extend the Steel lead to 6–3 and earning Robbins the victory in net, stopping 23 RoughRiders shots. Abruzzese and Mastrosimone both finished the game +5 after dominating most shifts while on the ice.

THIS LINE
THIS GOAL @chicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/e5MPPP0qxN

— USHL (@USHL) April 21, 2019

Pietroniro goes up the middle Abruzzese fakes & goes hole
for his 5⃣th point tonight @chicagosteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/B6ybknoZnn

— USHL (@USHL) April 21, 2019

Cedar Rapids 4, Chicago 3 (OT)

Chicago looked to retain home-ice advantage with another victory against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders but came up short in overtime 4–3. RoughRider forward Aidan McDonough was the backbreaker scoring both the game-tying and game-winning goals, giving the Northeastern University commit three goals in this season’s playoffs.

Defenseman Will Zmolek scored the night’s first goal for the RoughRiders beating Robbins for a power play goal after Chicago defenseman Owen Power was sent off for hooking.

The Steel bounced right back tying the game at 1–1 when Mastrosimone beat Pietila with his first goal of the playoffs. The goal, assisted by Abruzzese, was countered only a few seconds later when forward Liam Walsh scored for the RoughRiders.

With just over a minute until the first intermission, Shea scored his second of the playoffs to tie the game at 2–2 with a pretty goal assisted by Mastrosimone and Dowd.

Everyday I'm HUSTLIN'
Mastrosimone turns on the jets & sets up Shea for a huge goal @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/JdscaGtdOs

— USHL (@USHL) April 21, 2019

Finnish defenseman Uula Ruikka put the Steel on top for the first time in the game, beating Pietila with a shot through traffic that appeared to deflect off a RoughRider in front.

The lead would not be for long as McDonough tied the game only eleven seconds later. Both teams shared chances in the third period, when Chicago outshot the opponents 10–4, but both teams would not find the back of the net.

At the 9:22 mark of overtime, McDonough registered his second goal of the evening, on the power play, deflecting a puck past Robbins for the game-winning goal.

OVERTIME GAME WINNER!
The series is tied heading back to @RidertownUSA #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/URujp4NaNg

— USHL (@USHL) April 22, 2019

With the series tied 1 – 1, Chicago travels to Cedar Rapids for a pair of games on Tuesday and Wednesday, both starting at 7:05 p.m. CT at Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.

The post The Steel Deal: Abruzzese registers five points in win, teams head to Cedar Rapids tied 1–1 appeared first on The Rink.

GAME 1 – CEDAR RAPIDS AT CHICAGO          Saturday, April 20, at 7:05 p.m.
GAME 2 – CEDAR RAPIDS AT CHICAGO          Sunday, April 21, at 5:05 p.m.
GAME 3 – CHICAGO AT CEDAR RAPIDS          Tuesday, April 23, at 7:05 p.m.
GAME 4 – CHICAGO AT CEDAR RAPIDS          Wednesday, April 24, at 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)
GAME 5 – CEDAR RAPIDS AT CHICAGO          Saturday, April 27, at 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)

The Chicago Steel face off against the Cedar Rapid RoughRiders in the best-of-five series in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Chicago earned a first-round bye with a second-place finish in the conference. Cedar Rapids swept Team USA this past week in a best-of-three series to advance to the semifinals.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

CHICAGO:
Nick Abruzzese: The crafty forward finished first in the USHL this season in scoring (29 goals, 51 assists, 80 points) and mans the top-line center position. Aburzzese also tied for the team lead in shorthanded goals (two) and led the team with 21 power play goals. Abruzzese plays an important role on offense, defense and special teams. The Harvard University commit also maintained a 25.7 shooting percentage on the season.

Robert Mastrosimone: The East Islap, New York, native led the Steel in goals (31) and finished second on the team in points (80). Mastrosimone was second on the team in power play goals with seven and lead the team in shots (161). Mastrosimone also tied Abruzzese in shorthanded goals with two. The Boston University commit will need to continue his excellent offensive production against a stingy RoughRider defense and goaltending.

Matteo Pietroniro: The team captain logs a ton of ice time for the Steel and had an excellent season finishing with 18 goals, 31 assists and 49 points. Pietroniro lead the team with 102 penalty minutes and was second in power play assists (14). Those that have watched the Steel this season can make an argument that Matteo is the heartbeat of the team on the backend. Pietroniro can really shut down the Cedar Rapid attack, which is average at best.

Josiah Slavin: The Chicago Blackhawks’ seventh round draft pick in 2018 was an excellent mid-season pickup by General Manager Ryan Hardy. Slavin has been a great addition to the Steel power play as a net front presence. Slavin finished the season with 24 goals and 27 assist with Chicago and Lincoln. His scoring touch brings a great second wave behind Abruzzese and Mastrosimone.

CEDAR RAPIDS:
Jason Polin: Polin scored five goals in two games in the first round against Team USA. During the regular season, the Western Michigan University commit scored 30 goals and 20 assists, good enough for second overall on the Cedar Rapids roster.

Nathan Smith: Smith lead the team with 53 points (18 goals, 35 assists) for a team-best .90 points per game. The center also led the team with 12 power play goals while tying with Polin for the team lead with five game-winning goals.

Liam Walsh: The Merrimack College commit finished third on the team with 21 goals to go along with his 21 assists. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound winger tied for the team lead (Polin) with two shorthanded goals and brings an excellent piece to Polin and Smith on the wing.

Will Zmolek: Zmolek led all RoughRider defenseman in points with 26 (four goals, 22 assists). The 6-foot-3, 191-pound Bemidji State commit also lead the team in penalty minutes with 107. Zmolek can be argued to be Pietroniro lite. Zmolek will log plenty of ice time for Cedar Rapids.

Blake Pietila: The Cedar Rapids goaltender had an excellent season and was arguably the team’s best player this season. The Michigan Tech commit finished 30–13–3–1 with a 2.30 goals against average and excellent 0.912 save percentage. Look for Pietila to try and keep his team in the series with his top-notch skills in the crease.

NOTES:

• Chicago holds a 19–10–2–0 record at home this season at Fox Valley Arena. Cedar Rapids has recorded a 35–6–2–1 record at home. Chicago will want to make sure not to lose home ice advantage in the first two games. The RoughRiders are tough at home.
• Something has got to give. Chicago finished the season with a league best 3.92 goals per game, second best in the USHL. The RoughRiders are also second in the league with a 2.60 goals against average. The series is a clear example of offense versus defense.
• Special teams: The Steel finished second in the USHL with a 24.6 percentage success rate with the man advantage. Cedar Rapids power play scores at a 17.7 percentage rate. Chicago’s penalty kill is 12^th in the league at 78.6 while the RoughRiders are eighth in the league shorthanded at 80.7 percent.

The post Series preview: Chicago Steel vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders appeared first on The Rink.

“Greg Moore has done a remarkable job transforming a new staff and young team in a very short period of time,” said General Manager Ryan Hardy. “His knowledge of the game, creating mind, attention to detail and work ethic are as good as I’ve seen at every level.”

The 35-year-old Lisbon, Maine, native was brought to Chicago after two decades of experience with the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.

As a player, Moore won championships at several different levels. As a coach, he returned in helping Team USA in the USHL and helped guide USA to the gold medal at the 2017 IIHF U18 World Championships in Slovakia.

“The players in our program have benefited immensely from his knowledge and his demeanor,” Hardy said. “Greg will coach in the NHL some day; it’s just a matter of how fast he wants to get there.”

Moore played his collegiate career at the University of Maine, culminating in a 28-goal senior campaign. His play helped Maine to two NCAA Frozen Fours, including a National Championship in 2004. The Calgary Flames selected Moore in the fifth round of the 2003 NHL Draft.

After three seasons with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, Moore was traded to the New York Rangers, along with Jamie McLennan and Blair Betts, in exchange for Chris Simon and a seventh round pick in the 2004 draft.

The Rangers called up Moore in the 2007–08 season, playing six games at the NHL level at right wing. Moore would spend two more seasons in the AHL, after signing with the New York Islanders and a trade to Columbus, before cracking the NHL lineup again with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Moore also spent time in the Philadelphia Flyers, Augsburger Panther and the Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg on the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, a German professional ice hockey league.

Behind the bench this weekend, Moore’s Steel take on the Central Illinois Flying Aces on Friday at home before concluding the regular season at the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Both contests will play a major role in the playoff picture, as Chicago wants the first-round bye in the Clark Cup Playoffs, earned for finishing either first or second in the conference.

The post Moore guides Chicago to playoffs in first season behind the bench appeared first on The Rink.

Youngstown 4, Chicago 3

On Friday, Chicago jumped on the scoreboard first, as Mastrosimone scored his 25^th goal of the season at the 1:13 mark of the first period. The goal, assisted by defenseman Uula Ruikka and forward Jake Schmaltz, kept the Boston University commit atop the Steel goal scoring lead.

Smooooth moves from Uula Ruikka to set up Mastrosimone @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/G5UqfQGJoE

— USHL (@USHL) March 16, 2019

Chicago took the 1–0 lead into the first intermission, outshooting Youngstown 8–7 in the hard-fought first period.

The Phantoms jumped to a 2–1 lead with back-to-back goals by Craig Needham and Jack Malone, the second goal coming at the 5:50 mark of the second period, which seemed to put the Steel on their heels for a few shifts.

Mastrosimone scored his second goal of the game, and 26^th of the season, when he finished off the rebound from a shot by defenseman John Spetz. The goal, also assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle, was the only power play goal scored in the game.

He slips… he scores!!!
Mastrosimone on the rebound ties it up for @ChicagoSteel#WhosNext pic.twitter.com/twVyW6Itcq

— USHL (@USHL) March 16, 2019

Forward Nick Abruzzese put the Steel on the board first in the third period, giving Chicago the 3–2 lead. The goal, scored at the 3:42 mark, was assisted by defensemen Owen Power and Luke Reid.

That would be the last goal for the Steel. Youngstown tied the game, at the 10:29 mark of the third period, when Malone scored his second goal of the game, after a nice stretch pass from forward Matthew Barnaby, who beat Steel goaltender Justin Robbins five-hole.

GO LOOONG!
Barnaby Malone@YtownPhantoms #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/E4nb65td1V

— USHL (@USHL) March 16, 2019

Phantoms’ defenseman Aiden Gallacher scored his first goal of the season, at the 15:38 mark, to give Youngstown the lead, and ultimately the victory, 4–3.

Chicago outshot Youngstown 29–22 but could not tie the game with Robbins pulled for the extra attacker.

Chicago 3, Dubuque 2

The great news about USHL hockey, after dropping a hard-fought game on Friday, the Steel could not sit back and think about the loss, as they hosted the Fighting Saints the next evening. Dubuque would jump out to a 1–0 lead, however, Chicago came racing back with three straight goals, and held off a late push by Dubuque, giving Chicago the 3–2 victory and a much needed two points in the standings.

Dubuque took the lead, at the 3:47 mark in the first period, when right winger Riese Gaber scored his 19^th goal of the season, beating Steel goaltender Reilly Herbst.

Riese Gaber is really feelin' it lately @fightingsaints #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/aCJmLnib69

— USHL (@USHL) March 17, 2019

The score would remain 1–0 until Mastrosimone tied the game on an unassisted goal midway through the second period. Mastrosimone stole the puck along the left boards and buried a wrist shot blocker side.

Mastrosimone is a straight up hustler
The with the steal and score@ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/0DG7NNM0hF

— USHL (@USHL) March 17, 2019

Chicago would score a late goal in the second period, when Matteo Pietroniro buried his 17^th goal of the season. The captain’s goal was assisted by forward Adam Robbins.

After two period of play, Chicago lead 2–1 while outshooting Dubuque 12–11. The offensive push would not be much better in the third period, as Dubuque fired a total of six shots on net, besting the Steel by one shot.

One of Chicago’s five shots did find the back of the net when forward Josh Groll beat Dubuque goaltender Matthew Thiessen, a Vancouver Canuck draft pick, to extend the Chicago lead to 3–1.

Dubuque forward Matias Maccelli scored for the Fighting Saints to bring the visitors to within a goal midway through the third period, but could not beat the Steel defense for the game-tying goal.

Chicago walked away with the 3–2 victory, in a game with 34 shots total, and one penalty called in the game. Herbst stopped 15 shots for the victory.

With the victory, Chicago kept control of the second spot in the Eastern Conference, a race that has seen the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and Youngstown Phantoms creep into.

https://twitter.com/USHLKevin/status/1107119721554608129

Chicago will be back in action this week for three games. Chicago plays in Green Bay on Tuesday, March 19 and Friday, March 22. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. The Steel then return home, on Sunday March 24, for “Daddy Daughter Princess Day” for a 3:05 p.m. puck drop, at Fox Valley Ice Arena. Fans can also enjoy a post-game “Skate with the Steel.”

The post The Steel Deal: After Loss on Friday, Chicago Tops Dubuque on Saturday appeared first on The Rink.

Sioux Falls 7, Chicago 4

The Chicago Steel jumped out to a 2–0 lead against the Sioux Falls Stampede, but a five goal second period by Sioux Falls did the Steel in, losing 7–4. Steel forward Nick Abruzzese picked up his 100^th career USHL regular season point, while Ville Rasanen scored his first career USHL goal.

Chicago defenseman John Spetz put the Steel on the board, just over five minutes into the game, on the power play for his 8^th goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle and defenseman Owen Power, was the first of three power play goals for the Steel in the game.

Two minutes later, defenseman Ville Rasanen added to the Steel lead, firing a wrist shot past Stampede goaltender Jaxson Stauber. The Finnish product’s goal, assisted by forward Christian Sarlo, proceeded a six-goal onslaught by the Stampede.

Stampede forwards Ethan Phillips and Anthony Romano scored on the power play to end the first period and start the second. A few minutes later, forwards Sam Stevens and Austen Swankler extended the Stampede lead to 4–2. Before the second period finished, left wing Jared Wescott scored back-to-back goals, giving Sioux Falls the 6–2 lead heading in to the second intermission.

Steel Head Coach Greg Moore switched goaltenders after the fifth Stampede goal, replacing Justin Robbins with Reilly Herbst.

The Steel showed their resiliency when scoring two quick goals to start the third period. Forward Robert Mastrosimone fired his 24^th goal of the season three minutes into the period. The goal, assisted by forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and Josiah Slavin, shortened the Stampede lead to 6–3.

Captain Matteo Pietroniro scored his 16^th goal of the season three minutes later. The power play goal, assisted by Fontaine and Abruzzese, gave the Steel back-to-back power play goals and pulled within two goals at 6–4.

.@ChicagoSteel keepin' things interesting!
Back within #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/Se758r525y

— USHL (@USHL) March 9, 2019

Sioux Falls attempted three shots in the third period, as Chicago tried to claw their way back into the game, only to be denied with an empty net goal by forward Artem Ivanyuzhenkov, finished off the Steel 7–4.

Chicago outshot Sioux Falls 30–19 for the game, but could not take advantage of the edge in shots.

Team USA 5, Chicago 4 (OT)

Chicago bounced back the following evening to earn a point against Team USA, forcing overtime with two third period goals, before falling in overtime 5–4. In overtime, Steel goaltender Reilly Herbst made a great play on a Team USA penalty shot, only to surrender the game winning goal with 20 seconds left in the extra frame.

Former Chicago Mission 16U forward Landon Slaggert scored the first Team USA goal, at the 2:44 mark of the first period. The goal, Slaggert’s fourth of the season, was answered less than a minute later when Steel defenseman Owen Power scored his eight goal this season. The University of Michigan commits goal was assisted by forward Robert Mastrosimone.

With the game tied 1–1, Team USA scored two goals five minutes apart to extend their lead to 3–1. Forwards Tanner Latsch and Chase Yoder found the back of the net, for their third and fifth goals, respectively.

The wild first period would continue, forward Nick Abruzzese netted his 22^nd goal of the season, assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle and defenseman Jimmy Dowd, to cut the Team USA lead to 3–2 at the first intermission.

The only goal of the second period belonged to Team USA. Forward Hunter Strand fired a shot past Herbst to extend their lead to 4–2 after 40 minutes of action.

The Steel began the third period with two goals in the first 91 seconds. De St. Phalle took advantage of mishap by Team USA goaltender Drew Commesso, who turned the puck over to De St. Phalle for a tap in goal.

A few moments later, Abruzzese powered in a warp around goal to tie the game at 4–4. The Harvard commits goal was his 23^rd on the season and force overtime.

The Steel could not take advantage of the one minute power play to start the overtime before Herbst made a nice play on the penalty shot, poking the puck from Team USA forward Thomas Bordeleau before getting off a shot attempt.

Team USA scored the game-winner, on a breakaway, as defenseman Eamon Powell fired a wrist shot past Herbst. Chicago outshot Team USA 35–33 for the game, while showing a lot of character to force overtime and gain a much-needed point on the weekend.

Chicago will be back in action this weekend for a pair of home games against the Youngstown Phantoms and Dubuque Fighting Saints. On Friday, the Steel celebrate “Irish Night” on St. Patrick’s Day weekend at 7:05 p.m. against the Phantoms. On Saturday, the Steel face off with the Fighting Saints, as Chicago will wear their custom gray and black jerseys during the game, that will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the Geneva Academic Foundation. Puck drop for the Saturday is set for 7:05 p.m.

The post The Steel Deal: Abruzzese’s 100th Career Point Not Enough appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago Blackhawks (6-5-3) at Calgary Flames (8-5-1)

9:00pm Central, 8:00pm Mountain

Scotiabank Saddledome

TV/Radio: NBCSCH, CBC/WGN

PROJECTED STARTERS

Chicago – Corey Crawford (3-3-0 W-L, .909 SV%, 2.72 GAA)
Calgary – Mike Smith (5-4-1 W-L, .871 SV%, 3.71 GAA)

TEAM STATISTICS

Power Play

Chicago (13.0%, T-29^th)
Calgary (15.8%, 22^nd)

Penalty Kill

Chicago (77.3%, 19^th)
Calgary (71.7%, 27^th)

Shorts for/against

Chicago (34.1, 5^th, 32.9, 22^nd)
Calgary (32.6, 11^th, 30.6, T-13^th)

Shooting %

Chicago (9.0%, 22^nd)
Calgary (10.3%, 12^th)

Faceoff %

Chicago (49.8%, 17th)
Calgary (51.5%, 9th)

Avg. height/weight

Chicago 6’1″, 195lbs
Calgary 6’1″, 198lbs

PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS

Chicago Blackhawks

Alex DeBrincat – Jonathan Toews – Dominik Kahun
Brandon Saad – Artem Anisimov – Patrick Kane
Alexandre Fortin – Luke Johnson – Nick Schmaltz
Chris Kunitz –Marcus Kruger– Andreas Marinsen

Duncan Keith – Henri Jokiharju
Erik Gustafsson – Brent Seabrook
Brandon Manning – Brandon Davidson

Calgary Flames

Johnny Gaudreau– Sean Monahan–Elias Lindholm
Matthew Tkachuk–Mikael Backlund–Michael Frolik
Sam Bennett–Mark Jankowski–James Neal
Dillon Dube–Derek Ryan–Garnet Hathaway

Mark Giordano–T.J. Brodie
Noah Hanifin–Travis Hamonic
Juuso Valimaki–Rasmus Andersson

Analysis

The Hawks close out their Canadian road trip, tonight, versus the Calgary Flames.

Having lost two in a row on the trip, 4-2 in Vancouver and 4-0 in Edmonton, salvaging two points will go a long way in believing this team can compete in the Western Conference.

The offense, shutout for the first time this season in Edmonton, cannot rely on Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Alex DeBrincat every night. Scoring balance throughout the lineup has been a struggle all season.

Corey Crawford has allowed 10 goals, four in Vancouver and six in St. Louis, in his past two starts. Expected in net tonight, a bounce back game from Crawford is needed.

Riding an overall four-game losing streak into Calgary, the Hawks must find a way back into the win column.

The post Preview/Game Thread: Blackhawks vs. Flames appeared first on The Rink.

Anaheim Ducks (5-3-1) at Chicago Blackhawks (4-2-2)

7:30pm Central/5:30pm Pacific

United Center

TV/Radio: NBCSCH/WGN

PROJECTED GOALIES:

Chicago:

Corey Crawford (1-1-0, .941 SV%, 2.05 GAA)

Anaheim:

John Gibson (4-2-1, .949 SV%, 1.91 GAA)

Team statistics:

Power Play

Chicago (11.1%, T-26)

Anaheim (22.7%, T-14)

Penalty Kill

Chicago (70.8%, 28)

Anaheim (77.4%, 18)

Shots for/against per game

Chicago (35.0, 4 – 37.1, 30)

Anaheim (23.8, 31 – 37.9, 31)

Shooting%

Chicago (10.7%, T-12)

Anaheim (10.7%, T-12)

Faceoff%

Chicago (49.6%, 19)

Anaheim (46.9%, 27)

Avg. height/weight

Chicago

6’1” 195 lbs

Anaheim

6’1” 201 lbs

PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS:

Chicago

DeBrincat-Toews-Kahun

Schmaltz-Anisimov-Kane

Kunitz-Kampf-Saad

Fortin-Kruger-Martinsen

Keith-Jokiharju

Gustafsson-Seabrook

Davidson-Rutta

Anaheim

Street-Getzlaf-Aberg

Comtois-Henrique-Sherwood

Cogliano-Kesler-Gibbons

Lundestrom-Steel-Rakell

Fowler-Manson

Lindholm-Montour

Pettersson-Sustr

Analysis:

The league’s bottom two teams in shots against face off tonight as the Chicago Blackhawks host the Anaheim Ducks.

Chicago is coming off a 6-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, in which, the Lightning generated 55 shots on goal. This past Sunday, the Ducks lost at home to Buffalo 4-2 while surrendering 45 shots.

With that being said, you may be in for a goaltender’s duel.

Corey Crawford comes off a “goalie win” in Columbus sporting a .941 save percentage, however, Ducks’ goaltender John Gibson has bested Crawford thus far with a .945 percentage.

Defensive commitment needs to be a priority for the Blackhawks. However, it does not all fall on the defenseman.  Better back checking by the forwards, as well as trusting others are taking care of their responsibilities in the defensive zone must improve.

Will the goaltenders stay on top of their games or will the barrage of shots finally catch up to them? Either way, the Blackhawks need to bounce back after a horrendous effort Sunday versus Tampa.

Comment below in our live game thread tonight!

And look for the internet’s most robust recap of the game later tonight or early tomorrow on the-rink.com. 

The post Preview/Game Thread: Blackhawks vs Ducks appeared first on The Rink.

7:30 Central

Enterprise Center

TV/Radio: FS-MW-NBCSCH/WGN

Goalies:

Chicago

Cam Ward (.880 save%, 2.97 GAA)

St. Louis

Jake Allen (.800 save%, 5.00 GAA)

Team statistics:

Power play

Chicago (0%)

St. Louis (0%)

Penalty kill

Chicago (66.7)

St. Louis (50%)

Shots for/against per game

Chicago (43,25)

St. Louis (42,25)

Shooting%

Chicago (9.3%)

St. Louis (2.4%)

Faceoff%

Chicago (47.4%)

St. Louis (58.2%)

Avg. height/weight:

Chicago:

6’1”, 196

St. Louis

6’1” 204

Lineups:

Chicago

DeBrincat-Toews-Kahun

Saad-Schmaltz-Kane

Kunitz-Anisimov-Kampf

Kruger-Johnson-Martinsen

Keith-Jokiharju

Manning-Seabrook

Davidson-Rutta

St. Louis

Maroon – O’Relly – Tarasenko

Schwartz – Schenn – Kyrou

Steen– Bozak – Perron

Barbashev – Thomas – Blais

Bouwmeester – Pietrangelo

Dunn – Parayko

Schmaltz – Butler

Analysis:

The Blackhawks look for consecutive road victories tonight, meanwhile, the Blues try to avoid back-to-back losses at home to start the season.

A sharper first period will be key for the visitors. Playing from behind is not a recipe for success. The Blackhawks overcame sloppy play in their own end and a dismal power play and look to get both cleaned up.

Henri Jokiharju was praised by Joel Quenneville for his play on Thursday. Those types of compliments for rookies do not come easy.

Cam Ward settled down in net after a rocky first period. The veteran gets the call tonight opposite Jake Allen, who struggled in the opener.

Comment below in our live game thread tonight!

And look for the internet’s most robust recap of the game later tonight or early tomorrow on the-rink.com. 

The post Preview: Blackhawks at Blues appeared first on The Rink.

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Montreal Canadiens (5-8-1) at Chicago Blackhawks (7-5-2)

7PM Eastern/6 Central

RADIO: WGN 720

TV: NBC Sports Chicago

PROJECTED GOALIES:

Montreal:

Carey Price (3-7-1, 3.77 GAA, .877 save%)

Chicago:

Corey Crawford (7-4-0, 1.75 GAA, .945 save%)

PROJECTED LINES/PAIRINGS:

Montreal

Pacioretty-Danault-Shaw

Galchenyuk-Drouin-Lehkonen

Byron-Plekanec-Gallagher

Hudon-McCarron-Mitchell

Mete-Weber

Alzner-Petry

Davidson-Benn

Chicago

DeBrincat-Toews-Panik

Saad-Schmaltz-Kane

Sharp-Anisimov-Hayden

Bouma-Wingels-Hartman

Keith-Franson

Rutta-Seabrook

Kempny-Murphy

STATISTICAL COMPARISONS:

Power play:

Montreal 17.2% (19^th)

Chicago 14.3% (27^th)

Penalty kill:

Montreal 71.4% (29^th)

Chicago 83.9% (8^th)

Corsi For % (5-on-5, through Friday)

Montreal 54.5% (3^rd)

Chicago 48.7% (19^th)

Faceoffs:

Montreal 48.5% (23^rd)

Chicago 50.7%   (15^th)

SUMMARY:

Coming off their second straight shutout win, with more than a few positive signs of improvement in overall play, it could be worse for the Blackhawks.

For example, they could be the 5-8-1 Montreal Canadiens, a team around which expectations were every bit as high to start this season as they were for the Hawks. The Habs, like the Hawks, have struggled to find the right roster composition in the age of the flat salary cap—especially in their forward lines.

The projected lineups, including Corey Crawford playing the second half of a back-to-back are more “projected” than usual at this point. Could, for example, a supposedly healthy Gustav Forsling slip back into the lineup tonight? Sure, but then one of Jan Rutta or Michal Kempny, both of whom are playing very well, would have to sit.

For the Hawks, the challenge tonight will be maintaining their recent improved play with tired legs—especially later in the game tonight—against a fast Canadiens club. However, the Habs are also on the second half of a back-to- back, winning 5-4 in OT last night in Winnipeg.

Jeff Osborn (Gatekeeper) will recap tonight or tomorrow AM.

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