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The Steel Deal: Chicago Beats Muskegon, Falls to Team USA

  
The Steel Deal: Chicago Beats Muskegon, Falls to Team USA
Chicago Steel National Anthem, Source: Chicago Steel Facebook Page

Chicago 6, Muskegon 1

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 19th on the season, was assisted by Abruzzese and defenseman John Spetz.

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.

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 20th 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.

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.

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