MIDDLETON, Wisc. - With the first matchup of the season against the Youngstown Phantoms, the Capitols were looking to take home a win in the team's only game of the weekend. Last season, the two teams split their eight games played at four a piece, but Youngstown won the last three as they got hot at the right time of the season. At the 2022-23 season's end, the two teams were at opposite ends, though, with the Phantoms taking home the Clark Cup Championship.

The first half of the period was a constant battle for possession, with both teams finding their pace and fighting for time in their offensive zones. With a Phantoms player being called for hooking, the Capitols saw their opportunity to be the first on the board. Flying into their zone and playing a little game of tic-tac-toe, Finn Brink passed the puck to Jack Brandt who relayed it over to Andrew Kuzma for a beautiful power play goal. The goal was the first power play goal given up by Youngstown of the season. A few minutes later, Youngstown tied the game, which is where the game stood throughout the rest of period one.

The replay monitor was heavily in use in period number two starting with a goal that was initially called off for the visitors. The net popped off, but not before a Youngstown player was able to send it into the back of the net to make it a 2-1 lead. Almost two minutes later, Rainers Rullers sent a shot at net from the top of the zone that some how found its way toward the goal line. Initially the officiating crew ruled no goal, but after a second look, the puck crossed the goal line before a Youngstown defender was able to clear. This even things at two aside.

Ethan Elias, captain for the Capitols, stated, "We all kind of knew [the second goal] was in, so it wasn't a ton of pressure. We got the momentum right back after giving one up and just went from there." Less than a minute later, the Phantoms added another to the board to take the lead and the period ended with Madison down one.

Madison entered the third down for the second straight game, also the second time of the season. Elias mentioned that the goal for the team going into the third was "[getting] pucks in deep and [establishing their] forecheck." Elias thought the team "did a great job and had a great third period, [Madison] just didn't get [their] bounces." The period ended with the Capitols fighting to take the game into overtime but just falling short. 

The Capitols hit the road for a three game weekend to wrap up October. The team first takes on the USA Hockey NTDP at the USA Hockey Arena on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m ET/6:00 p.m. CT. Wrapping up the weekend, the Capitols will be traveling to the Covelli Centre for a rematch against the Youngstown Phantoms at 4:05 p.m. ET/3:05 p.m. CT on Sunday.

Following the three-game road trip, the Caps return home the first weekend of November to face Omaha. Tickets for the two-game series can be found at tickets.madcapshockey.com.

MC84 memberships, group tickets and experiences, suites, and other premium areas are now on sale. Gain access to these areas by calling the front office at 608-257-2277. 

Stay connected with the Madison Capitols on social media and the team's official website for the latest updates, news, and behind-the-scenes content as the team gears up for an exhilarating season ahead.

For more information, call 608-257-CAPS or visit madcapshockey.com.