The Power have been on the road for the past six games, ending their road trip this weekend against the Peoria Mustangs. Milwaukee just came off a rough series against the Rochester Grizzlies, having a two goal deficit at the end of both games. The Power have been on a long-standing losing streak; however, their last win was against the Mustangs, making this an exciting reunion for both teams.
Milwaukee started Spencer Northway in goal for the first of two games this weekend. The Power was first to get a point on the board with 11:30 left in the first period. Matthew Ebersole scored his first goal of the season and gave Milwaukee the lead. Following this, Peoria was quick to make a comeback and scored back-to-back on two power plays. Down by one goal, the Power persisted and Ebersole scored his second goal of the night, which was assisted by Mason Ausmus and Konrad Clements. With only a few minutes left in the first, the Mustangs scored twice more on two power plays. There were over ten penalties in the first, and each goal by the Mustangs was scored on the power play.
The Power started the second period on a five-on-three advantage, and although they were unable to capitalize on it, Connor O’Neal scored soon after, which was assisted by Noah Hope. Both teams limited the amount of penalties they took this period, and despite not having the advantage of an extra player, the Mustangs were able to extend their lead. The second period ended with an unfortunate five goal deficit for the Power.
The third period didn’t go in Milwaukee’s favor either. The Power switched goalies, replacing Northway for Austin Bartell, and started the period with a five-minute power play. However, the Mustangs maintained possession of the puck and scored shorthanded. Peoria recorded two more goals at the seven- and 14-minute marks, ending the game with an 11-3 win against the Bolts. Milwaukee was outshot 18-42.
Saturday gave the Power the chance to split the series against Peoria. Once again, Milwaukee started Northway between the pipes while the Mustangs switched goalies from the night before. Milwaukee was quickly getting outshot, but the Power’s defense was strong. Mason Ausmus scored unassisted on a two-on-two breakaway, marking the first goal of the game. A minute later, Ben Cremers scored on another breakaway and increased Milwaukee’s lead. Despite being outshot, the Power were able to score twice with only three shots on goal. As the clock counted down to the end of the period, Peoria scored two goals back-to-back. The Mustangs tied up the game, but Milwaukee wasn’t finished yet! With 17 seconds left in the first, Ebersole scored his third goal of the weekend, which was assisted by Cremers and Ausmus.
Milwaukee went into the second with a 3-2 lead and lots of game left to play. The period began with a penalty shot for Peoria, the perfect opportunity for them to tie it back up. Fortunately for the Power, the Mustangs were unable to get past Northway’s wall. After a huge penalty kill halfway through the second, Ebersole scored once again, assisted by Cremers and Joey Demiglio. Peoria’s two-goal deficit forced the Mustangs to change their goalie, and the Power put another point on the board. Cremers scored, which was assisted by Ausmus and Clements, and put Milwaukee at a 5-2 lead. The three-point lead didn’t last long, however. Peoria scored less than a minute later, but the Power still entered the third period with a two-goal advantage.
Unlike the night before, the third period was successful for Milwaukee. The Power defended the net well, but let in a power play goal halfway through the period. Despite Peoria trailing only by one goal, Milwaukee didn’t let it get to them. The Power killed off a penalty late in the third and went on the power play soon after. Although the Mustangs were able to survive the Milwaukee power play, Nate Stone scored immediately after, which was the final goal of the game. The Power won 6-4 and split the two-game series.
On Wednesday, Dec. 1, The Power will be back home to play a single game against the Grizzlies. Like the Power, the Grizzlies are coming off a split series against the Wassau Cyclones. As a result of this weekend, Milwaukee broke their losing streak while Rochester broke their winning streak. Please note: this game will be played at Kettle Moraine Ice Center in West Bend, Wisconsin instead of the Power’s home arena, Ozaukee Ice Center. Looking ahead, the Power and the Mustangs will meet again this upcoming weekend for two afternoon games at Ozaukee Ice Center. Come cheer on your Milwaukee Power!
