The Madison Capitols hosted the Des Moines Buccaneers on Friday night in the first of a four-game homestand. Friday night's meeting between the Bucs and Caps was the first this year. Madison came into the night in the midst of a three-game losing streak, tying their longest losing streak of the season. Des Moines was coming off a win, sitting in sixth place in the USHL's Western Conference.
After a scoreless opening frame, the Bucs were the first to strike as forward Blake Zielinski cashed in on the Des Moines power play. Zielinski had the lone goal in the second, as Des Moines would take the 1-0 lead into the third period.
Madison responded with a power play goal of their own one minute into the third period courtesy of Jet Kwajah. Tied 1-1 midway through the final frame, the Capitols scored their second power play goal of the night as Nolen Geerdes would set up Minnesota commit Jackson Nevers to take the 2-1 lead over Des Moines.
Des Moines was unable to answer Nevers' goal, which would become the game winner, resulting in a 2-1 win for Madison. Caleb Heil made it tough on the Bucs; the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect denied 25 of the 26 shots sent his way, picking up his 19th win this season.
Des Moines will be back at Bob Suter's LEGACY20 Arena on Saturday night to complete the weekend series. Saturday's game will be the Capitols' annual Be the Miracle night. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a Jack O'Callahan bobblehead in celebration of the "Miracle on Ice" and the Olympics.
