LocalSportsJournal.com
The Muskegon Lumberjacks completed a successful road trip on Thursday night, winning their fourth consecutive game.
The Lumberjacks jumped out to a two-goal lead and lost the advantage before Egor Afanasyev scored the game-winning goal to propel Muskegon to a 3-2 victory over Team USA.
Muskegon, which clinched the regular season Eastern Conference title last weekend, is now 41-16-4 on the season with one game remaining.
The Lumberjacks will close out the regular season at home on Saturday against the second-place Chicago Steel. Face off is slated for 7:15 p.m.
Muskegon will open the playoffs on April 20 in the Eastern Conference semifinals after receiving a first round bye in the Clark Cup playoffs. The Lumberjacks opponent will be decided after the first round is completed.
Afanasyev opened the scoring for the Lumberjacks with a goal at the 6:12 mark of the first period.
The Lumberjacks increased their lead to 2-0 with a tally from Oliver MacDonald 13:26 into the opening frame.
Team USA tied the score 2-2 with a pair of second period goals from Ty Smilanic at the 3:38 and 11:35 marks of the stanza.
Muskegon regained its lead back for good with Afanasyev’s second goal of the contest at the 12:51 mark of the third stanza.
Ryan McInchak picked up the win in net for the Lumberjacks, stopping 32 of 34 Team USA shots.
Team USA outshot the Lumberjacks by a 34-16 margin.
