The Chicago Steel (34–19–3–0, 71 points) lost a point in overtime to the Cedar Rapid RoughRiders (32–18–3–2, 69 points) keeping the Steel two points ahead of the RoughRiders for second place in the Eastern Conference standings. Chicago goaltender Justin Robbins stopped 20 of the 21 shots he faced, only bested by Cedar Rapids goaltender Blake Pietila’s shutout (23 saves).
The Steel controlled much of the first period, while any chance the RoughRiders could muscle up, were turned aside by Robbins. Chicago outshot Cedar Rapids 8–2 in the period.
If the first period was controlled by the Steel, the same could not be said of the second period. Cedar Rapids outshot Chicago 12–5, using the excellent play by Robbins to keep the game tied. Chicago fought off the only power play of the night with an excellent penalty kill at the end of the period.
Both teams traded excellent chances in the third period, only to come up empty on each shot. Robbins and Pietila kept the puck out of the net, even with some tough, madhouse scrambles in front of the net. Chicago outshot Cedar Rapids 9–5 for the period, ending regulation with a 22–19 advantage.
In overtime, RoughRider forward Aidan McDonough ended the game at the 2:52 mark. McDonough took a nice feed from forward Jason Polin, made a nice toe drag past a defender, and buried a shot blocker side of Robbins.
Chicago returns to Fox Valley Arena, both Friday and Saturday, for games against the Madison Capitols and the Waterloo Black Hawks, both starting at 7:05 p.m. Friday night is “Pucks and Pups” night presented by Woofbeach. Fans are encouraged to bring their dog to the game. On Saturday, the first 500 fans will receive a “College” t-shirt, celebrating the Animal House Anniversary, sponsored by Waubonsee Community College.
The Rinkcast Podcast – Epidode 49 – featured a large portion of content of the Chicago Steel. Listen to your favorite Chicago playoff team HERE.