Chicago Steel Week 27 Game Preview

The Chicago Steel have two games against Eastern Conference foes this weekend. Friday, the Steel head to Ann Arbor, Mich. to take on Team USA at 7 p.m. EST. Saturday, the Steel return to the Edge Ice Arena as they host the Madison Capitols at 7 p.m. CST.

The Steel (26-24-3) lost both of their home games last weekend, as they were unable to hold onto third-period leads against Sioux Falls and Youngstown. Sioux Falls scored four goals in the third period on Saturday to take down the Steel 7-5. The Steel held a 3-2 third-period lead on Sunday but were unable to hold off Youngstown as the Phantoms won their USHL record 17th straight game.  Freddy Olofsson scored his team-high 25th goal of the 2014-15 campaign. Defenseman Carson Vance had a career-high three-point game on Saturday and now has nine points in eight games with the Steel.

Team USA has compiled a record of 23-27-2 this season. Last weekend, the U-18 Juniors defeated the Lincoln Stars in back-to-back games. Last time these two teams faced off, the Steel held on for a 5-4 overtime victory. Forward Auston Matthews has totaled 44 points in 22 games with Team USA this season. Matthews and teammate Matthew Tkachuk are both currently riding 11-game point streaks.

Madison (21-21-11) earned one point last weekend, losing to both Cedar Rapids (in overtime) and Sioux City. This is the sixth and final time Madison and Chicago will face each another this season. Chicago is 4-1 against Madison this season, outscoring the Capitols 22-10 over their previous five matchups. Madison has a very balanced offensive attack, with Haralds Egle, Freddy Gerard and Mitch Hults all tied with a team-high 33 points this season. Goaltender Darren Smith has posted an impressive .913 save percentage this year.

Tickets for Saturday’s game can be purchased by calling the Steel Ticket Office at 630-594-1161 or by visiting tickets.chicagosteelhockeyteam.com. Reminder that April 3 & 4 is Housing Family Appreciation Weekend! All suites for housing billets are $100. Please call the Steel Ticket Office to reserve your suite!