Photo Courtesy of the Madison CapitolsThe Eastern Conference Playoff race is getting hotter, while the Muskegon Lumberjacks will feature Hockey Is For Everyone Night.
Here are some things to watch for this weekend in the USHL.
Playoff Races Tighten Up
As the next-to-last weekend of the 2024-25 regular season heats up, the battle for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference continues to be exciting.
The Madison Capitols, Dubuque Fighting Saints, Muskegon Lumberjacks and Youngstown Phantoms are all within three points of each other at the top of the conference standings.
At stake is a bye in the first round of the Clark Cup Playoffs, which goes to the top two teams in each conference.
Meanwhile, the Lincoln Stars continue to have a grip on the race for the Anderson Cup, which goes to the club with the best regular-season record. Lincoln’s magic number to clinch a share of the Anderson Cup is five points with four games remaining in the regular season.
If they clinch, it will be the Stars’ third Cup in team history and first since 2003.
The Green Bay Gamblers have clinched a spot in the post-season and Cedar Rapids has a magic number of one to punch their ticket, based on max points, tiebreakers and games remaining.
A Top League Battle Awaits
Speaking of the Anderson Cup race, it could become a bit clearer following this weekend’s action.
The Lincoln Stars travel to Madison to meet the Capitols Friday at 7:05 Pm CT.
The Stars are atop the league standings with 84 points, while Madison is third overall in the USHL with 80 points, one point behind Sioux Falls, who is second.
The two teams last met in September during the USHL Fall Classic, with the Stars coming out on top 5-2. It was Lincoln’s first game of the season and the second for Madison.
The Stars lead the league both offensively and defensively. They rank first in goals per game (4.47) and allow just 2.71 goals against per game, also first.
Lincoln’s offensive production has been a team effort, boasting nine forwards who have scored 30 or more points this season. Jack Pechar leads the group with 57 points. Mid-season acquisition Bruno Idzan has been a major addition to the club, scoring 42 points in 32 games since his arrival in December.
As for goaltending, Yan Shostak has been outstanding in net for Lincoln. In 40 games, he has a 2.44 goals-against average, tied for the top spot in the USHL. His 40 appearances ranks him third in the league among goalies.
With their 80 points, the Capitols set a team record for points in a single season. Their 38 wins is also the most for a season in team history; the previous mark was 33.
Three of Madison's final four regular-season games will be played on home ice, where they have the best record in the USHL at 22-4-1-1.
Special Night In Muskegon
The Lumberjacks will play the NTDP U18s on Friday and Waterloo Black Hawks on Sunday.
Photo Courtesy of the Muskegon LumberjacksThe Lumberjacks will present Hockey is for Everyone Night on Friday at Trinity Health Arena. Fans can watch the Grand Rapids Junior Sled Wings play during the first intermission.
An initiative spearheaded by the NHL and other leagues, Hockey Is For Everyone to promote diversity and inclusion in the sport. Its central theme is that hockey is for everyone regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
The Lumberjacks will celebrate Sunday with the Jacks Easter Egg Hunt against Waterloo. Easter eggs with tickets have been hidden around downtown Muskegon, so everyone is encouraged to keep an eye out.