Steel can't outduel Fighting Saints

DUBUQUE, IOWA - Zach Solow recorded the game-winning goal late in the first period Friday as the Dubuque Fighting Saints (32-15-5-2, 71 pts.) defeated the Chicago Steel (34-14-2-3, 73 pts.) 3-1 at Mystique Ice Center. The goal was Solow's USHL-leading 58th point of the season.

Chicago remains one point away from clinching its first playoff berth since the 2007-2008 season. The Steel's loss was their first at Dubuque since Dec. 28, 2014.

Fighting Saints forward Alex Steeves opened the scoring with a wrist shot past the glove of Steel netminder Ales Stezka at 15:25 of the first period.

Steel forward Mitch Lewandowski, skating in his 100th career USHL game, responded to tie the game less than two minutes later, jamming in a shot from the edge of the crease at 17:07. Assists on the goal came from Blake McLaughlin, his first career USHL point, and Derek Daschke.

Dubuque regained the lead in the final minute of the opening frame; Solow fired a shot from the left circle over Stezka's glove for a power play tally with 22 seconds on the clock.

In the second period, Fighting Saints defenseman Patrick Kudla gave the home team their first two-goal lead of the game, scoring from the middle slot at 13:02.

Chicago had some chances in the third period, and pulled Stezka in favor of an extra attacker for the game's final 2:22, but Dubuque goaltender Jaxon Castor shut the door, finishing with 28 saves in the game to maintain the 3-1 score until the final horn.

Gerads (0+2) was the game's only player to record a multi-point outing. Stezka made 23 saves for Chicago. Of the top five teams battling for four playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, the Steel were the only team to not register a victory Friday. Chicago outshot Dubuque, 29-26.