Middleton, WI — After a slow start at the USHL Fall Classic, the offense erupted for the Madison Capitols in the second period of a 5-3 victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Friday night.

The Fighting Saints came into the single game series against the Capitols looking to find their own offensive rhythm after being shut out against Omaha in their final game of the fall classic. However, a laser of a shot from Madison's Mika Matikka 6:43 into the first period was just the start of a challenging night for Dubuque.

Despite outshooting Madison 12-9 in the first period, the Saints found themselves trailing 1-0. In the second period, it was all Capitols. Three goals in a five minute span put Madison ahead 4-0 before the Fighting Saints were able to punch back. Owen Michaels won an offensive zone faceoff and then went right to the net to redirect a Jayden Jubenvill wrist shot past Madison goaltender Mason Kucenski to cut the lead to 4-1. The good times however did not last. Only eight seconds after scoring the goal, the Saints took a penalty and then surrendered their first powerplay goal of the season as the Capitols restored their four goal lead.

The Saints rebounded well in the middle of the third period with goals from Nils Juntorp and Oliver Moberg, but the comeback fell short. Two penalties in the final four minutes prevented the Saints from ever getting a chance to pull the goaltender.

Madison skated away with a 5-3 victory in their home opener and earned their first win of the season and first win for new Head Coach Corey Leivermann.

Paxton Geisel stopped 18 of 23 shots on goal in two period of play for Dubuque. He was replaced at the start of the third by Marcus Brännman who stopped all eight shots he saw.

Up Next

The Saints hit the road again this upcoming weekend with a single game series against the Chicago Steel. The Fighting Saints and Steel are set to drop the puck Friday night at 7:05 p.m.

You can listen to the action on the Saints official radio partner Eagle 102.3 or watch the action live on FloHockey. The Saints home opener is set for Friday, November 4th at 7:05 p.m. vs. Madison. Tickets are available online.