Lumberjacks stay alive on home ice

MUSKEGON, Mich. (Courtesy Dubuque Fighting Saints) — The Muskegon Lumberjacks, backs against the wall in a must-win situation, got the win they needed. Goaltender Adam Brizgala made 33 saves behind a solid defensive effort, as the Jacks topped the Dubuque Fighting Saints 3-0 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Saints continue to lead the series two games to one.

Brizgala made the routine saves, and the not-so-routine saves, en route to his first playoff win, and shutout, in his first USHL playoff game. He made 12 saves in both the first and third periods, and steadied the Lumberjacks when the Saints had control of the game early in the first period.

Collin Adams pounced on a Dubuque turnover behind the net and stashed home his third goal of the postseason halfway through the first period. His goal came unassisted, and proved to be the game-winning tally.

Marc Del Gaizo notched a goal on the power play, the only power play goal of the night, early in the second period, assisted by Koby Bender and Anthony Del Gaizo. The Jacks held down the fort all the way until the end, when Jaxon Castor was pulled for the extra attacker.

Ty Farmer put the game away into the empty net and forced a Game 4. His was the only goal of the third period, punctuated by a lengthy delay due to a Zamboni malfunction.

Castor was strong in the game with 31 saves. He ranks fourth in goals-against average among playoff goaltenders (1.51), and tied for fourth in save percentage (.948)

A win by the Saints in Game 4 would send them to the second round for the seventh consecutive season. The puck drops on Game 4 at L.C. Walker Arena on Friday at 6:15 CDT.