The Power traveled to Wausau to take on the Cyclones in a battle for first place in the Central Division and after two games and a weekend split, the teams remained tied for the top spot.
Friday the Power got off to strong start, outshooting the Cyclones in the first period and getting on the board first. Connor O’Neal scored his 14th goal of the season for the first goal of the game at 10:36, assisted by Max Mudge (23). The momentum quickly changed as the Power found themselves in the penalty box 4 times in the first period and a 2-1 deficit after one period after Wausau power play goals from Anderson Brien (4:39) and Easton Plachetka (1:12). Wausau extended their lead with two Connor Dvorak goals in the second period for a 4-1 lead after two periods of play. The Power tried to play catch up and were able to tally one goal in the third when Owen Drake (10) scored off a Max Mudge (24) assist at 12:19, but the home team sealed the win with two more goals (Christian McKinley and Anderson Brien) and the eventual 6-2 final.
Jesse Easterwood and Ian Kangas combined for 17 saves on Wausau’s 23 shots on goal. The Power had 26 shots on goal.
The Power looked to rebound Saturday and pick up two important points, and they did just that, giving the Cyclones their second loss of the season on home ice, 6-2.
Teagan Scheurer scored his 15th goal of the season to get the Power on the board with 3:46 remaining in the first period for the 1-0 lead after one period of play. He was assisted by Zach Wolverton (14). Connor O’Neal put the Power ahead 2-0 at 17:50 of the second period with his 15th goal of the season, second on the weekend off Max Mudge (25) and Owen Drake (11) assists. Wausau got a much-needed goal, another power play goal at 15:04 to bring the Cyclones within one, but Jace Fitzgerald added a Power goal three minutes later at 12:04 for the 3-1 lead. He was assisted by Nik Johnson (24). Wausau tallied the first goal of the third period at 14:23 but Bryce Garber responded at 12:24 with his 25th goal of the season off Mike Sobaski (8) and Zach Wolverton (15) assists for the 4-2 lead. Jace Fitzgerald sealed the deal after forcing a turnover and taking the puck down ice for the empty net goal, his 15th of the season and second of the ice for the 5-2 final.
Ian Kangas recorded the win in the Power net, stopping 18/20 Wausau shots on goal. The Power had 27 shots on goal.
The Kundinger Fluid Power Player of the weekend is Jace Fitzgerald with two goals in the Saturday victory.
With only three games remaining in the regular season, the Power returns home this Saturday, February 24 to take on the Wausau Cyclones for TDS SKATE WITH THE POWER/YOUTH HOCKEY NIGHT sponsored by TDS Telecom and Alpha Custom Apparel. The first 250 fans receive a free Power rally towel. All youth hockey players get in free wearing their jersey. Fans can skate with the Power players after the game. Bring your own skates or rent for free at KMIC. Game time is 7:30pm. The Power playoff push merchandise sale starts 2/24 – all merchandise in the Power pro shop is 20% for the remainder of the season!
Look ahead – Friday, March 1 is Fan and Billet Appreciation Night sponsored by Westbury Bank against the Wausau Cyclones at 7:30pm. All fans will receive free raffle tickets to enter to win prizes as an appreciation of your support over the season and our billets will be recognized at first intermission.
