The Steel Deal: Steel Clinch Playoff Berth, Slavin Scores Twice

The Chicago Steel clinched their third straight Clark Cup Playoff appearance after defeating the Green Bay Gamblers 3–1. Forward Josiah Slavin scored twice in the first period, the second being the game-winning goal, while forward Mathieu De St. Phalle added the insurance goal. Steel goaltender Justin Robbins turned aside 19 shots for the victory in net.

The Gamblers opened the scoring on their home ice, at the 4:09 mark of the first period, when forward Nicholas Zabaneh scored his 11^th goal of the season. Forwards Gleb Murtazin and Luke Mylymok assisted on the goal. As it turned out, this was the only puck to slip past Robbins the rest of the evening.

Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect Slavin tied the score at 1–1, netting his 18^th goal of the season. The goal, assisted by forward Adam Robbins and defenseman Luke Reid, was the first of back-to-back goals by Slavin.

At the 17:09 mark of the first period, Slavin scored on the power play, when defenseman Matteo Pietroniro shoveled a pass over to forward Robert Mastrosimone, who fired a shot on Gambler goaltender Ryan Ullan. The rebound from Ullan found Slavin at the side of the net, who buried his shot for the 2–1 lead.

Midway through the second period, De St. Phalle scored his 9th goal of the season. The University of Wisconsin commit finished a 2-on-1 with forward Christian Sarlo, and snuck a backhand past a sprawling Ullan. The goal was De St. Phalle’s sixth point (2 goals, 4 assists) in the past six games.

Classic @ChicagoSteel goal 🚨
These guys must practice this or something…#WhosNext pic.twitter.com/ZOsOZRISCs

— USHL (@USHL) March 20, 2019

With the 3–1 lead, Chicago did not take their foot off the pedal, outshooting the Gamblers 13–2 in the third period, and 39 – 20 for the game. Even though Chicago could not find the back of the net in the second half of the game, the Steel’s savvy play and hard work in their defensive end was outstanding.

With the victory, Chicago finds themselves back in sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference standings. The victory also secured their third straight Clark Cup playoff appearance, which begins April 15.

Chicago returns to Green Bay for another matchup on Friday night for a 7:05 p.m. contest. On Sunday, Chicago skates on home ice for the “Daddy Daughter Princess” celebration for a 3:05 p.m. puck drop against the Lincoln Stars.