By Thunder staff
MADISON, Wisconsin – The Bloomington Thunder were able to pick up a point on the road against the Madison Capitols, but ultimately fell 2-1 in an overtime finish. The Saturday night game ends the season series between the teams and also is the final road game of the year for the Thunder. Bloomington won the season series 3-0-1-0 against the Capitols and are 20-9-1-0 this season on the road. The Thunder (36-18-3-1) this season are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference following the game.
Bloomington opened the scoring in the game, netting the opening goal at the ten-minute mark of the first. Tarek Baker (University of Wisconsin) made a move from his skate to his stick around the defender. In his hometown, earned the assist on the goal, sending the puck to the crease where Steven Merl (University of Michigan) battled and knocked it into the net. Merl has three this season and Baker improved to his 28th assist this season.
Stopping 13 shots in the period was Hayden Lavigne (University of Michigan). The game high shots in the first featured a couple prime chances for the Capitols. He also helped the Thunder to an overall of 26 saves in the game. Lavigne has now garnered points in 10 of his last 11 games.
The Capitols came back with pressure to start the second period. While the start of the game was free flowing with very few whistles, the second slowed at times as the Caps sent 11 shots on net. Less than four minutes left in the period, the puck bounced around off skates before Eetu Selanne found it in front. His quick move along the top of the crease tied the game.
A switch was flipped in the third period as the Thunder peppered Capitols goaltender Drew Hotte with 12 shots. Right off the bat the team had chances including a shot that rang off the post from Mitchell Chaffee. Jeremy Davies (Northeastern University) was also stopped on a breakaway following one of two successful penalty kills. The game made it’s way down the wire with both teams picking up the intensity, seeking the win.
Going to overtime, the Thunder took control early. On their first rush, Baker and Logan Lambdin (Michigan State University) had chances on a puck in the crease, but Hotte came up with a big pad save and covered. Madison capped it off with a goal on a strange play. Alex Payusov (University of Connecticut) cycled in the zone before he was met by Pat Curry (Boston University) on the boards. Curry lost his helmet in the battle and had to make his way off the ice. That’s when Payusov made his way to the net to score the game winner. His 17th goal this season finished the night as Hotte stopped 26 shots on net for the Capitols.
Box Score: http://bit.ly/1N0mtZg
It is the 12th game the Thunder have played in overtime this season and their first loss in the extra period since January 23rd. Bloomington has garnered points in 13 of their last 14 games played down the stretch.
Bloomington returns home to face the Chicago Steel in their final game of the regular season. The Thunder will wrap up their season series with Chicago, playing games in back to back weeks.
NEXT HOME GAME: Saturday, April 9th – 7 p.m. – Fan appreciation night features many benefits for the Bloomington Thunder fans. Come out to the game against the Chicago Steel and grab prizes and giveaways handed out all night. One lucky season ticket holder will also win two free season tickets for the upcoming 2016-17 season. From 6-7 there will be buy one get one free hot dogs available at the game and kids 12 & under get a free hot dog when they enter the building. The first 1000 fans also get a free poster of the Thunder’s college bound players. Don’t forget to take part in a post-game jersey’s off our back auction immediately following the game along with the final post-game skate with the Thunder. For tickets and information please call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980.
