THE FIRST THREE @88PKane@AM34@seth_jones3#TeamUSA | #WinterOlympics

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) October 7, 2021

The Olympic stage is nothing new for Kane, as it will be his third time representing the United States on the world’s biggest sports stage, donning the red, white and blue in both 2010 and 2014. Additionally, Kane has represented his country in nearly every major international setting, including the Under-17 World Junior Championships, Under-18 World Junior Championships, the World Junior Championships, the World Championships and the World Cup. Kane served as his team’s captain at both the 2018 and 2019 World Championships. Kane has tallied 82 points (29 goals, 53 assists) in 58 games played at the international events listed above throughout his career.

Conversely, 2022 will be the first Olympic experience for Jones, who was a rookie the last time NHL players were allowed to compete in the Olympics. However, like Kane, Jones is in no way a stranger to the international stage, including competing at the Under-17 World Junior Championships, Under-18 World Junior Championships, the World Junior Championships and the World Championships. In 43 contests in the events listed, Jones has amassed 35 points (eight goals, 27 assists). Jones also competed in the 2016 World Cup, but was representing the North American Under-23 team.

Toronto’s Auston Matthews rounded out the trio of provisional players named to the squad. The rest of the 25-man roster will be announced in January, and fellow Blackhawks teammate Alex DeBrincat is expected to join Kane and Jones on the final roster.

The post Patrick Kane, Seth Jones among first three named to 2022 U.S. Olympic team appeared first on The Rink.

Mackie makes his return to the ice

Forwrad Mackie Samoskevich rejoined the lineup on Sunday for the first time since Jan. 8. The 2021 NHL Entry Draft prospect scored the game-winner in overtime in Plymouth, Michigan, against Team USA. The University of Michigan commit now has 22 points in 17 games this season. Check out Samoskevich’s scouting reports on FC Hockey for more analysis about his game here.

The Sean Farrell show has plenty of sidekicks

With his two assists on Sunday, Sean Farrell continues to lead the USHL in points. The pair of helpers gave the Montreal Canadiens prospect 41 assists on the season, 14 more than teammate Matt Coronato for the USHL lead in assists. Farrell’s 18 goals give him his league-leading 59 points.

Speaking of Coronato, the Harvard University commit is second in the league in points with 55. His 28 goals lead the USHL over teammate Erik Middendorf, who has netted 23 goals himself. Middendorf is currently third in the points standings with 48 points. Chicago rounds out the top four slots in scoring, as forward Josh Doan currently has 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points.

For more on Coronato’s draft talents in the upcoming draft, click here.

Rookies continue to contribute

Forward Adam Fantilli, a potential top draft pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, continues to show he has the skills to play in the USHL at an early age. The Nobleton, Ontario, native has registered eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 28 games this season. Fantilli has registered 11 points in his last nine games as he continues to show and all-around game that will continue to impress NHL scouts.

Not to be outdone, fellow rookie forward Jackson Blake continues to impress in his first season in the USHL. The University of North Dakota commit currently ranks second on the team in rookie scoring with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 21 games. The 2021 NHL Entry Draft hopeful continues add to his 5-foot-10, 148-pound frame with the excellent development from the Chicago Steel staff.

Off to Iowa to finish February

The Steel play a pair of round games to finish of the month of February. On Friday, Chicago will travel to Buccaneer Arena for a 7 p.m. CST matchup with the Des Moines Buccaneers. The following night, Chicago faces off against the Waterloo Black Hawks at 6:05 p.m. at Young Arena.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago beats Youngstown, splits with USA appeared first on The Rink.

The first period was more of a wide open affair with both teams generating multiple opportunities. The teams traded goals to start, with Chicago’s Jackson Blake lighting the lamp, his fourth goal of the season, at 11:25 (Assists: Matthew Gleason, Luke Levandoski), followed three minutes later by Team USA’s Dylan Duke (Ethan Straky) at 14:26.

But the rest of the period belonged to the Steel—and forward Josh Doan, who rewarded himself by being at the front of the net on two successive goals, the first at 15:26 (Sean Farrell) and again at 19:19 (Jack Babbage, Farrell).

Babbage was victimized on Team USA’s second goal, when a puck caromed off Babbage’s leg, past Shane and into the Steel net, off what appeared to be a pass by USA forward Andre Gasseau.

Steel forward Farrell capped off a stellar 3-point night, with a power play goal at 18:59 of the second period (Matt Coronato, Erik Middendorf), pushing the score to 4-2.

Late in the third period, with the score 4-2 Chicago, the visitors pulled netminder Kaidan Mbereko for an extra attacker, but Shane came up big, thwarting Team USA. Steel defenseman Ryan Ufko finished the scoring for the night with Chicago’s fifth (empty net) goal at 19:37 of the third (Colton Huard).

The final was 5-2, with Shane registering 26 saves in an overall strong performance. The Steel take their four-game win streak against Youngstown this Thursday in a 2:05 PM Central start.

The post RECAP: Chicago Steel down Team USA, 5-2 appeared first on The Rink.

The Chicago Steel won both games over the weekend in Sioux City to keep a strangle hold on first place in the Eastern Conference of the USHL. On Saturday, Chicago found an offensive explosion in route to a 6–3 victory while defeating them on Sunday 3–2 in overtime.

In the opener, the five-goal second period by the Steel was too much for the Musketeers to overcome. Forward Brendan Brisson scored twice to pace the Steel. The University of Michigan commit also added an assist on the evening to finish off his three-point night.

Chicago also received multi-point games from forwards Sean Farrell, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine and defenseman Owen Power. Victor Ostman turned aside 30 shots for the victory in net.

During the matinee game on Sunday, Chicago fell behind twice early before tying the game in the middle of the third period and finishing off the home team in overtime.

Forward Mathieu De St. Phalle scored his 11th goal of the season in the second period, but the Musketeers would take back the lead before forward Tyler Carpenter tied the game midway through the third period.

In overtime, forward Sam Colangelo won it for the Steel with an unassisted goal, his 10th of the season. Goaltender Ian Shane stopped 25 shots for the victory in net.

Team USA

With the 2019 World Junior A Challenge approaching in December, four Chicago Steel players were selected to represent the United States. Brisson, Farrell, Fontaine and defenseman Luke Reid will represent the Steel in British Columbia, Canada.

“We’re excited to watch Brendan, Gunnar, Luke, Sean and the rest of their teammates, including (former Steel) Josh Groll, represent the USHL and the United States while competing for a gold medal,” said General Manager Ryan Hardy during a team interview. “Additionally, we’re thrilled that once again Jim Schroeder has been invited to serve Team USA as Head Athletic Trainer.”

The World Junior A Challenge is set to begin Dec. 7.

Forward of the Week

Adding to the great week for Brisson, the USHL rookie was named the USHL Forward of the Week for his four-point weekend in Sioux City. Brisson netted two goals and added two assists. He also leads all first-year league members with eight goals and 10 assists on the season.

“We are so happy to see Brendan garner this type of recognition and we’re privileged to help him continue to grow his game over the course of the season and reach his full potential,” Hardy said about his forward.

Brisson and his teammates will travel to Madison this Friday for a single game before returning home on Saturday for the back end of the back-to-back with the Capitols. Both games are scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. CST puck drop.

The post Steel weekend recap: Four to represent Team USA, Brisson earns Forward of the Week appeared first on The Rink.

On Friday, Muskegon forward Ryan Sorkin started the scoring after beating Steel goaltender Victor Ostman with his second goal of the season. The goal, assisted by defenseman Ryan Poorman, was the only puck to find the back of the net in the opening period, which saw both teams fire 11 shots on net.

Chicago evened the score when Oulu, Finland, native Uula Ruikka beat the Lumberjacks goaltender Jack Williams with a goal assisted by forwards Sean Farrell and Mackie Samoskevich. The defenseman’s goal was his first of the season.

OO LA LA Ruikka !

The nasty Finnish by the Scandinavian to tie the game for the @ChicagoSteel! #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/AnpzqHI04L

— USHL (@USHL) October 19, 2019

Less than two minutes later, forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine gave the Steel a 2–1 lead on the power play with his seventh goal of the season. Assisted by forward Mathieu De St. Phalle and defenseman Owen Power, the lead would be Chicago’s only one of the game.

*Looks up definition of a perfect one-timer*

*Finds video of DSP to Gunnarwolfe* https://t.co/2Ax03uifBF pic.twitter.com/PdVEvRwGEv

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) October 19, 2019

The Lumberjacks scored two late goals in the second period when forwards A.J. Hodges and Alexandros Gaffney beat Ostman, giving the the visitors a 3–2 lead after two periods of play.

Muskegon scored at the 2:38 mark in the third period to extend their lead to 4–2 after forward Tanner Edwards notched his second goal of the season.

At the 6:51 mark in the final frame, Palatine, Illinois, native Tyler Carpenter scored his second goal of the season to cut the Lumberjack lead to one goal at 3–2. The forward’s goal was assisted by Northeastern University commit Sam Colangelo.

Head coach Greg Moore pulled Ostman for the extra attacker late, but Lumberjack forward Oliver MacDonald scored his eighth goal of the season to seal the Steel’s fate on the evening.

Chicago outshot Muskegon 34–24 for the contest, but the Lumberjacks won the game 5–3.

The following evening, Team USA jumped out to the early lead after forward Dylan Duke beat Chicago goalkeeper Ian Shane. The goal was Duke’s first of two on the evening.

The Steel tied the game when Farrell beat Team USA goaltender Kaidan Mbereko at the 19:35 mark of the first period. The goal, Farrell’s fourth of the season, was assisted by Power and Carpenter.

Chicago’s late power play goal would not be the last goal of the period as forward Jack Hughes scored a shorthanded tally with only two seconds remaining in the period. The unassisted goal gave Team USA a 2–1 lead heading into the first intermission.

The home team would not let the late backbreaking goal upset their pressure, as they continued to put pressure on Mbereko until defenseman Jack Babbage scored his first goal of the season to tie the game at 2–2. The Syracuse, New York, native’s goal was assisted by forward Dawson Pasternak.

Team USA’s Duke scored his second goal at the 14:49 mark when he beat Shane to give Team USA back to back shorthanded goals and a 3–2 advantage.

At the 17:04 mark, Chicago tied the game again after forward Matt Coronato netted his second goal of the season. The game-tying goal was assisted by Pasternak and Ruikka.

After two period of play, Chicago led in shots 27–21 in a fast-paced affair.

De. St. Phalle beat Mbereko to give Chicago their first lead of the game on the power play on a goal assisted by Fontaine and Power. However, for the second time in the game, Team USA would answer back less than a minute later to tie the game at 4–4.

Heading into overtime, Chicago took a 33–30 advantage in shots, but would fall to Team USA less than one minute into overtime when forward Luke Hughes beat Shane for his fourth goal of the season. The goal gave Team USA the 5–4 victory.

After two hard-fought contests at home this past weekend, the Steel will take to the road for a pair of games at the Fargo Force. Both games, Oct. 25 and Oct. 26, are scheduled for 7:05 p.m. puck drops.

The post Chicago Steel salvage point against Team USA, fall to Muskegon Lumberjacks appeared first on The Rink.

Eleventh, and last, in the series of prospect profiles is center/wing Jack Hughes.

Jack Hughes
2018–19 Team: Team USA U18
Date of Birth: May 14, 2001
Place of Birth: Orlando, Florida
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 170 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Central Scouting Scouting: !st, North American skaters
NHL comparable: Connor McDavid-lite

Jack Hughes’ elite skills set him apart from everyone else in the 2019 NHL Draft. Right wing Kaapo Kakko made a late run at the top spot by working his magic in the Worlds and against men in Finland. However, when New Jersey steps to the podium, it would me a major shock if Hughes’ name was not called.

An offensive wizard, Hughes has elite skating ability and off the charts hockey IQ. The Orlando, Florida native can reach top speed, a la Connor McDavid, in a blink of an eye. What makes him so dangerous is his ability to make plays at his top speed. His fluid stride and pound for pound strength make him tough to knock off the puck.

His vision is clearly superior to others in the draft. Hughes is able to find small holes in the defense that many others are not willing to go to or do not see. With the puck, Hughes reminds many of Patrick Kane as he makes passes that others would not see let alone make. Hughes is an expert at drawing defenses to himself or dangling to find time to make plays.

Hughes has the definition of “soft hands.” His ability to stickhandle in a paper bag is quite impressive to watch. The puck is in constant movement and next to impossible to take away from him while he finds the opening to make a play.

A quick release and bullseye accuracy allow him to beat unsuspecting goalies. Think: deadly accurate with his shot. Hughes’ wrist shot is only going to get better with strength and will be a great weapon for him. A team’s power play will run through him at the NHL level as he instinctively orchestrates movement around the offensive zone.

Hughes’ physicality is minimal but willingness to battle for loose pucks in front of the net and work hard along the boards to retrieve pucks is in his DNA. His determination outweighs his body mass. Hughes looks to have the intestinal fortitude to be great, work hard and take pride in his own zone.

Projection

Top-line center with Art Ross Trophy capabilities.

Hughes may not be the sure thing like McDavid or Sidney Crosby were coming out of the draft but he is close. The ability to control games when he’s on the ice will set him apart early in his career as he adjusts to playing at the highest level. He may take some time to see himself engulfed with the elite players at the top of the leaderboards, but his time should come.

Implications for the Blackhawks

None.

If Hughes drops to No. 3 in the draft, the Chicago Blackhawks organization should run to the podium and conduct a dance-off between Stan Bowman and Mark Kelley while John McDonough sings karaoke.

Also, anyone thinking the Blackhawks could trade up to No. 1 with their assets clearly should stop watching hockey.

He’ll end up in the Eastern Conference so enjoy his talents and root for him 80 games out of the year.

What others are saying

…many are calling the next Patrick Kane. His parents both played the game and his father is an ex-Bruins coach and minor pro coach, …gets things done with strong hands, terrific vision and quick feet. Great anticipation and the ability to hold pucks on his stick no matter where he ventures. He steers pucks through traffic; his terrific vision and edging make opponents scramble to where the play is going to open into a solid look. He can come to a dead stop, watch a crowd converge on his space, and wire a puck to the open spot of net. Has a terrific shot when he uses it too.
Bill Placzek – Draftsite

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Fifth in the series of prospect profiles is left wing Matthew Boldy

Matthew Boldy
2018–19 Team: U. S. National U18 Team “A”
Date of Birth: April 5, 2001
Place of Birth: Millis, Masschusetts
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 192
Shoots: Left
Position: Left Wing

NHL Central Scouting final ranking: No. 9 by NHL Central Scouting – North American Skaters

NHL comparable: Matthew Tkachuk

Matthew Boldy has the excellent all-around game that teams search for in a top six forward. The left wing showed his offensive prowess with 33 goals in 64 games played this past season. However, he does not just rely on his shooting ability to make in impact on the scoresheet. Boldy also garnered 48 assists and showed the ability to play with high skill players such as Jack Hughes and Alex Turcotte.

His shot is at an elite level and jumps of his the stick. Boldy shows a knack for scoring from anywhere on the ice and can pick even the tiniest of holes left open by opposing goaltenders. Boldy can stickhandle with most in this draft class. He shows an ability to make plays with defenders hanging on him and beat slower defenseman wide, usually after drawing the defender inside.

Finishing off his all-around game is his ability to play in all three zones effectively. His hockey IQ is elite and was given the responsibility to play in all big game situations, such as, the penalty kill, power play and late game situations. Boldy is tough along the boards and in front of the net, but does not seek out unnecessary contact. At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Boldy has the frame that excels at the NHL level. With maturation and more weight room strength will be a handful for opponents.

Projection

It would not be far off to project Boldy as a 20-plus goal scorer at the NHL level. His shot is not the equal of Cole Caufield but he could beat many professional goaltenders consistently. With his size and skating, he can work up and down the top six forwards and play with very talented linemates. His skills on the power play and penalty kill will allow him the chance to play in many meaningful situations that help a hockey team win.

This draft was a tough one for Boldy. Any other year could have seen him higher on draft boards. Also playing behind some really talented forwards with Team USA has put Boldy in the shadow of others in the draft class.

Implications for the Blackhawks

The No. 3 pick has put Chicago in an excellent spot to draft a projectable elite talent. Is Boldy that kind of talent—in this draft? Maybe. He just does not come with the same name recognition as other options options that will be available. The Blackhawks are in desperate need of forwards that can play a team concept on defense and kill penalties and Boldy can do both.

If Chicago trades down out of the No. 3 spot then Boldy would be a nice pick. He would instantly become the top forward prospect in the organization and slot in nicely on the top six forwards, most likely after his stop at Boston College.

What others are saying

“He never overhandles the puck and he’s prepped and ready to attack, whether that’s the big shot, flipping a puck to himself or finding a teammate. To me he’s got to be one of the most exciting wingers this draft”

Team USA Head Coach John Wroblewski – NHL.com

The post Draft Prospect Profile: Left wing Matthew Boldy appeared first on The Rink.

Third in the series of prospect profiles is center/right wing Cole Caufield.

Cole Caufield
2018–19 Team: U. S. National U18 Team “A”
Date of Birth: January 2, 2001
Place of Birth: Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Height: 5-foot-7
Weight: 163 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Center/Right Wing

NHL Central Scouting final ranking: No. 8 per NHL Central Scouting – North American Skaters

NHL comparable: Theo Fleury

Cole Caufield scored 72 goals in 64 games this past season playing for the U18 program. That is an astounding number. Playing on a line with potential first overall pick Jack Hughes, and on a once-in-a-lifetime deep team, allowed Caufield to take advantage of his excellent shot. With that being said, his numbers would still have been impressive without Hughes.

Listed at 5-foot-7 and 163 pounds, Caufield does have a smaller frame on the surface. However, the Wisconsin native is solidly put together. In today’s NHL, we are seeing smaller players each year have success. A comparison to Alex DeBrincat, who scored with ease in juniors, would not be too far off, however, Caufield will not fall to the second round like DeBrincat.

Caufield uses his soft hands and excellent shot to bury a high percentage of his chances. What separates Caufield from many is his ability to find open ice to receive passes. His skating allows him to find open areas with good edge work and a nice, extra acceleration when needed. He also does a good job of keeping his feet moving when forced to play a contact game by the defense.

A little ball of energy on the ice, Caufield is far from a liability in his own zone. Many times taking on battles along the boards. As he matures, he will have some edge to his game even with the slight frame.

Projection

Goal scorer.

Caufield is going to score a lot of goals at the NHL level. His scoring ability is elite and projects as top line forward. On a stacked team up the middle, he’ll be able to switch to right wing, and with his size, may open up more opportunities to use his scoring talents. If playing center, his ability to get to the tough areas will be important. He appears to have the DNA to get into tough areas against his opponents and nothing in his game suggests that he would not against NHL level talent.

Caufield is also going to see plenty of time on the power play. He has the type of skills that Chicago fans have seen with Artemi Panarin on the man advantage. Although he needs to add strength, his one-timer is excellent. He can also bury wrist shots with ease, as the puck jumps off his stick. Even if it takes time for Caufield to adjust to 5-on-5 play in the NHL, he might still have a big, immediate impact on a team’s power play.

Implications for the Blackhawks

Chicago fans have been enamored with Caufield ever since the DeBrincat comparisons were made. Both are small-sized snipers. And they would likely play opposite sides. But, that being said, Chicago would need to pair each (or both) with skilled (i.e., top 6 quality), road-grader type forwards—a commodity that (outside of Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad) the Hawks presently lack at both the NHL level and in the prospect pipeline—to help relieve some pressure off them and open up space. As we are seeing in the Stanley Cup finals, speed and skill are good, but sheer force is also needed to win in the NHL playoffs.

Reports have hinted at the fact that Chicago does like Caufield. That is not a surprise. He is a great talent in the draft. However, the question must be asked, how many smaller forwards can this team win with? Fans and pundits keep saying the game has changed (favoring smaller, slighter players). Yet the combined size and physicality of the Stanley Cup winner every year seems to suggest otherwise.  Could you build an elite team around Caufield and DeBrincat after Kane and Toews start to decline? If Chicago were to pick Caufield, then perhaps a greater focus would be necessary to finding true centers and larger, complementary top 6 forwards for the future in upcoming drafts and/or free agency.

But at No. 3 in the draft, Caufield would probably be a reach for the Blackhawks.

What others are saying

“Right now, a diminutive scorer with great wheels, passing hands, a feisty side and an incredible goal scoring ability. Hides his release point and shows great velocity and needs very little time or space to shoot and score. He plays heavy on his stick and displays a wicked backhand, a quick wrist shot and devastating one-timers. The Wisconsin native is committed to the University of Wisconsin, and size is NOT a concern.”
Bill Placzek – Draft Site

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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.

The Chicago Steel defeated the Eastern Conference leading Muskegon Lumberjacks 6–1 behind their strong special teams play. Chicago scored three times on the man advantage and once shorthanded, while exploding for five straight unanswered goals.

Forward Nick Abruzzese opened the scoring for the Steel, on the power play. Chicago defenseman Matteo Pietroniro sent a nice shot toward the Lumberjack goaltender Brandon Bussi, only to have his rebound pounded home by Abruzzese. Forward Robert Mastrosimone was also credited with an assist on the play.

The Lumberjacks tied the game only 20 seconds later. Forward Jagger Joshua found the back of the net after multiple chances in close. The goal would be the only one Steel goaltender Justin Robbins stopped 24-of-25 shots for the game.

Chicago took the lead for good when Mastrosimone fired a wrist shot past the glove of Bussi, giving Chicago their second power play tall on the night. The goal, Mastrosimone’s 19^th on the season, was assisted by Abruzzese and defenseman John Spetz.

Mastrosimone out for target practice this evening @ChicagoSteel take back the lead #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/8u8Z2zCxCA

— USHL (@USHL) February 16, 2019

Mastrosimone scored again for Chicago, their third straight power play goal, only 30 seconds into the second period, as the crafty forward finished a nice passing play with Abruzzese and Pietroniro. The goal extended Chicago’s lead to 3–1.

Chicago scored again on special teams, this time shorthanded, when forward Cole Quisenberry beat Bussi on the breakaway. The goal, Quisenberry’s eighth on the season, forced the Lumberjacks to make a change in net as Ryan McInchak replaced Bussi.

Skate fast.
Score goals.
Cole Quisenberry nets a shorty @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/NfYjsj11zC

— USHL (@USHL) February 16, 2019

Defenseman Owen Power scored his seventh goal of the season, at the 14:44 mark of the second period, to give Chicago a 5–1 lead. The goal, assisted by Abruzzese and forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, gave the University of Michigan commit seven goals on the year.

Defenseman Jimmy Dowd scored his first goal of the season with less than five minutes to play in the game and giving the Steel the 6–1 victory.

USA 7, Chicago 2

Chicago would finish 0-for-6 on the power play and struggled for an eight-minute stretch in the second period, resulting in a tough 7–2 loss. The Steel played better than what the score indicated, however, Team USA U18’s showed their speed, depth and relentless forechecking throughout the game.

After Team USA scored 30 seconds into the game, Chicago responded with two quick goals late in the first period. Forward Nick Abruzzese scored his 20^th goal of the season, burying a shot past Team USA goaltender Cameron Rowe. Less than a minute later, forward Cole Quisenberry beat Rowe to give the Steel a 2 – 1 lead. The goal was set up by a beautiful pass by forward Robert Mastrosimone.

2⃣-on-1⃣
Mastrosimone to Quisenberry
Need we say more? @ChicagoSteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/uuIFjIZSFS

— USHL (@USHL) February 17, 2019

Chicago took a 2–1 lead into the first intermission but looked a bit flatfooted in the second period. Team USA scored five unanswered goals in the frame, to take a 6–2 lead into the third period.

The only score off the third period came from the stick of defenseman Domenick Fensore. The goal capped off Team USA’s 7–2 victory. The loss snapped the Steel’s 14-game home winning streak.

Chicago plays the next four games on the road starting with three games this weekend, beginning with the USHL leading Tri-City Storm on Friday and Saturday, before heading to Omaha for a Sunday matinee with the Lancers. The fourth straight road game is the following weekend, March 1, against the Dubuque Fighting Saints. Chicago will then return home on March 2 for the backend of the home-and-home.

The post The Steel Deal: Chicago Beats Muskegon, Falls to Team USA appeared first on The Rink.