Friday night, in Game 3 of their Conference Final series of the Clark Cup Playoffs, the Chicago Steel wasted little time taking a lead, and were never trailing, en route to their 4–1 win in front of their home crowd against the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Forward Robert Mastrosimone put on a show for the fans and showed why he is considered one of the top players in the top players in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft with a goal in the first two minutes of the first period and a highlight reel shorthanded goal in the second period.
On his second period goal, Mastrosimone was forechecking Muskegon center (and 2018 Blackhawks draftee) Mikael Hakkarainen closely as the Lumberjacks tried to break out of their own end. The Steel league-leading playoff scorer (tied with teammate Nick Abruzzese) picked Hakkarainen’s pocket at the Muskegon blue line and scored on a partial breakaway.
✌️🚨4️⃣🦆@chicagosteel #WhosNext pic.twitter.com/Tespc803Mj
— USHL (@USHL) May 4, 2019
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While Mastrosimone was the star on the offensive side of the rink, goalie Justin Robbins played a phenomenal game in the Steel end of the ice and was the team’s second star. He stopped 35 of 36 shots and made 18 third-period saves to keep the Steel well ahead and out of danger.
.@ChicagoSteel took a 2-1 lead in their series over Muskegon. We caught up with Steel Head Coach Greg Moore and forward Robert Mastrosimone following the Game 3 victory 🎥⬇️#WhosNext pic.twitter.com/SjSY61Iwvo
— USHL (@USHL) May 4, 2019
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The teams are back in action tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Fox Valley Ice Arena, as the Steel look to close the series in front of their home crowd in Game 4. If a Game 5 is necessary, it will be played Monday, May 6 in Muskegon, Michigan.
Tickets for Game 4 are on sale now and may be purchased in person at the Steel Box Office, by phone at 855-51-STEEL or online at ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com. Tickets start at just $10 and fans can catch the action up close with seats on the glass available for just $20. The group ticket minimum for Clark Cup Playoff games is just 10 people, and the Budweiser Lounge and Steel Suites are available for playoff games by calling 855-51-STEEL.