OMAHA, NE. - The Omaha Lancers continued their Western Conference rivalry with the Tri-City Storm Friday night at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. The Lancers were looking to end their winless streak, and close the gap in the conference standings with their respective opponent along with several teams right behind Tri-City. The Lancers came into tonight's contest holding a record of 1-3-0-1 head-to-head with Tri-City so far this regular season. The difference during that span against the Storm… Penalties. The Lancers amassed 110 Penalty Minutes against the Storm this season, while Tri-City had only mustered up 75 Penalty Minutes.
The first period started out with a physical, energetic Lancers club. Omaha would pressure Tri-City early on amidst their aggressive attack, but to no avail.
Tri-City would open the scoring with forward August Falloon who found himself wide open in the slot shortly after a Lancer turnover from below the goal line to make it 1-0 Tri-City at the end of the opening frame.
The second period would be dominated by Tri-City, as their forecheck and puck support overwhelmed Omaha throughout.
The other common theme throughout the second would be once again… penalties. Omaha defenseman Luke Baker would try and fight Tri-City's Artemi Nizameyev; Nizameyev would not fight back, giving Tri-City a 4-minute powerplay.
Tri-City would eventually capitalize on the ensuing powerplay as future Mike Hastings product Graham Gamache would be open in front of the net to extend Tri-City's lead at 2-0.
However, Omaha netminder Kevin Pasche was the only reason the Lancers were still in striking distance going into the third period, as Pasche would stop 21 of 22 Tri-City shots in the second frame.
The third and final frame came and went with what displayed Tri-City's relentless forecheck and two more Tri-City tallies.
Early on the scoring started with Tri-City defenseman Philippe Blais-Savoie who would slap shot one from the half boards, and would beat Pasche 5-hole to stretch Tri-City's lead at 3-0.
The Storm would not be done as shortly thereafter forward Haden Kruse would get his first career USHL goal to ice it with a 4-0 Tri-City win.
The Lancers are back in action tomorrow night against this same Tri-City team in Kearney, Nebraska. Puck drop is at 7:05 CST. You can catch the game on Mixlr or FloSports.
