The Milwaukee Power traveled to Rochester this past weekend fighting the flu bug going around the team with several players unable to even make the trip. The Power didn’t let that slow them down, however, as they were able to battle through and come away with an exciting 4-3 shootout win and a close, hard-fought 2-1 loss Saturday.
Adam Prokop got the start in the Power net on Friday, and he proved to be a difference maker in the victory. The Grizzlies got on the board first with the only goal of the period when Spencer Klotz scored at the halfway point of the first. It was the Power who kicked started the offense in the second period when Max Erstad scored off assists from Gavin Reidy and Michael Dalaly at the 5:46 mark to tie it up. The Grizzlies pulled ahead on a Riley Duber goal at the 14:14 mark, but Patrick Toomey answered with an unassisted goal, his 16th of the season, just under a minute later. The Power took a 3-2 lead at the 18:05 mark when Jack Wojnowski shot from the blue line with 1:55 to go in the period. He was assisted by Rocco Cicirello.
The game remained 3-2 until 1:56 to go in the game when the Grizzlies tied it up on Marc Sandelgard tallied his first NA3Hl goal forcing overtime. Five minutes of overtime wasn’t enough, as neither team could grab a goal taking the game to a shootout.
None of the first 3 shooters for either team could get one past either goalie. Bryce Garber, the Power’s fourth shooter scored the first goal and the only one needed as Adam Prokop remained perfect in the shootout with huge glove save on the Grizzlies sudden death attempt for the victory. Prokop, the first star of the game saved 32 of 35 Grizzlies shots.
Saturday both teams got off to a slow start with no scoring until the 16:28 mark when Bryce Garber got the Power on the board with a breakaway goal, his 9th goal of the season. Meers tied the game at 1-1 at the 18:56 of the second period, knocking in a loose puck past Power goalie Spencer Northway. Neither team could find the back of the net for most of the third period. The Power was unable to capitalize on multiple power play advantages and Rochester was able to keep the game tied 1-1. Owen Van Tassel was able to get what proved to be the game-winning goal past Northway from the left face-off circle with just over minute to play.
The Kundinger Power Player of the weekend goes to Adam Prokop for his outstanding performance in the overtime shootout victory.
The Power returns home to Kettle Moraine Ice Center this weekend to take on the Peoria Mustangs Friday and Saturday. Friday night is Stop Hunger Night. Admission is only $5 when bringing 3 or more non-perishable food items to benefit the West Bend Full Shelf Food Pantry.
Saturday is Skate with the Power night. Fans can bring their own skates or rent skates for free at the rink and skate with the Power players after the game. Both games are at 7:30pm and will be broadcast on Hockey TV.
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