Madison closes out a four-game road trip Saturday night against the Chicago Steel. It's the second of eight meetings between the two teams this season, with the Capitols looking to build momentum before returning home.

WEEKEND RECAP
Madison opened the weekend in Lincoln on Friday night with a 2-1 comeback win over the Stars, their fourth straight victory. Caleb Heil was sharp in goal once again, earning his fourth consecutive win during the streak. On Saturday, the Capitols came up short in a 4-0 loss, their first shutout defeat since January 18 in Cedar Rapids. With the win earlier this season in Pittsburgh, Madison secured the season series over Lincoln two games to one.

SERVING UP A DEEP DISH DUEL
Madison closes out its four-game road trip Saturday night with a matchup against the Chicago Steel, the second of eight meetings between the teams this season. The Capitols took the first contest in Geneva on September 27, earning a 5-3 win after leading by as many as three in the third period. Sam Kappell scored twice in that victory to pace the offense. Chicago enters the weekend on a two-game skid after being swept by Dubuque, falling 4-3 at home Friday before an 11-4 loss on the road Saturday. The Steel travel to Cedar Rapids on Friday before hosting Madison. Tender James Scantlebury leads Chicago in scoring with seven points through seven games.

HEIL-LIGHT REEL IN NET
Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick and North Dakota commit Caleb Heil has been a steady presence in goal to start the season. Heil holds a 4-1-0-0 record, winning four straight games while starting five of Madison's last six. He owns a 1.81 goals-against average, fourth-best in the USHL among goalies with significant minutes, and a .927 save percentage, ranking fifth while facing more shots than anyone above him. Over his last four starts, Heil has posted a .938 save percentage, continuing his strong early-season form.

APPLETON ASSASSIN
Appleton native and Minnesota State commit Sam Kappell has been an early spark for the Capitols' offense. Kappell leads Madison in goals with five, tied for third in the USHL. He's also tied for the league lead in both game-winning and power play goals. Through his first few seasons in Madison, Kappell had just one game-winner and no power play goals, but he's already matched or surpassed those marks this year as he continues to find the back of the net in key moments.

SATURDAY NIGHT SIN BIN
Saturday's game in Lincoln turned into a physical battle, with the Capitols racking up 66 penalty minutes on 14 infractions. Lincoln finished with 27 minutes on eight penalties, capitalizing twice on the power play. Nearly all of Madison's penalty minutes came in the third period, with only 10 combined minutes assessed before then. Jackson Nevers and Dexter Brooks each received ten-minute misconducts, while Austin Moline earned a five and ten for cross-checking in response to a check from behind on a teammate. Moline will serve a two-game suspension for the play. Lucas Prud'homme also picked up a five and ten for fighting and will be suspended for one game.

O SAY CAN YOU SEE
Forward Caleb Pittsley received a special opportunity last week, joining the U.S. National Team Development Program for its matchup against the University of Wisconsin. The Edina, Minnesota native suited up for the U18s in their 6-0 loss to the Badgers on Thursday night. Pittsley, an Augustana commit, has made an early impact with Madison this season, recording one goal and three assists. His lone goal came against Chicago, the Capitols' opponent this weekend.

FLORIDA PANTHERS REUNION IN THE USHL
Saturday's game brings a unique NHL connection behind the benches. Chicago head coach Scott Gomez and assistant coach Mike Mottau both played alongside Madison associate head coach and assistant GM Tom Gilbert during their time with the Florida Panthers. Gomez, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and 1,000-game NHL veteran, is set to be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame this winter. Mottau and Gilbert, both standout defensemen in their playing days, will reunite with their former teammate in a new setting as the Caps and Steel square off.

GAME & BROADCAST INFORMATION
Puck drop is scheduled for 6:05 pm on Saturday night in Chicago with coverage being found on FloHockey. 

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