Looking at three key matchups around the USHL this weekend, including a pair of win streaks on the line between the Fargo Force and Omaha Lancers.
Another busy weekend in the USHL awaits.
Here is a quick look at the standings before jumping into the previews.
The Madison Capitols and Dubuque Fighting Saints are tied for first place in the Eastern Conference with 12 points. Muskegon is right behind both with 11 points. Green Bay sits in fourth with nine points. Cedar Rapids and Chicago have eight points. USA NTDP and Youngstown have six.
In the west, Lincoln has an early lead and sits in first place with 16 points. Sioux City and Waterloo have 12, while Fargo and Sioux Falls have 11 and 10, respectively. Omaha sits in sixth with eight points. Tri-City and Des Moines are the bottom two teams.
Now, let's move on to the three matchups to keep tabs on.
Fargo Force vs. Omaha Lancers
A couple of winning streaks are on the line in this matchup. Fargo has secured three consecutive victories, notably winning both games against Waterloo last weekend.
On Thursday, the Force overcame a two-goal deficit to win in overtime, with Luke Schelter scoring two goals, including the game-winner in the extra session. The following night, Peter Cisar netted the go-ahead goal early in the third period, marking his fourth goal this season after scoring only seven in 53 games last year.
Meanwhile, Omaha has recovered from an 0-4 start and has now won four straight games. The Lancers achieved a shutout against Dubuque on the road, winning 5-0, before following up with another road victory in Cedar Rapids the next night. Forward Grant Dillard has been on fire, scoring six goals in his last four games.
NTDP U-17 Team vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints
The NTDP U-17 Team will look to bounce back after being swept at home by Muskegon last weekend. Forward JP Hurlbert scored his third goal of the season, while Casey Mutryn netted his first on Friday night.
The Fighting Saints responded after being shut out by Omaha by delivering a shutout victory of their own against Des Moines. Six different players scored during the game, including five in the second period.
Forward Gavin Cornforth is off to a strong start this season, having recorded points in five of his last six games.
Sioux City Musketeers vs. Youngstown Phantoms
The Musketeers split their two-game series with Green Bay last weekend. Sioux City forward Landen Gunderson recorded one goal and one assist between the two games, maintaining his streak of at least one point in every game this season.
The Phantoms were swept at home by a red-hot Lincoln team last week. Michael Mesic scored his second goal of the season during Saturday's game, bringing his total to five points over the first eight contests.