LocalSportsJournal.com
FARGO – The Muskegon Lumberjacks are on the doorstep of once again clinching a berth in the USHL Clark Cup Playoffs.
The Lumberjacks cruised past the Fargo Force 4-1 on Friday at Scheels Arena in North Dakota.
The win improves Muskegon’s record to 30-13-8 on the season, good for 68 points and third place in the USHL’s Eastern Conference. The Lumberjacks have 11 games remaining and can clinch a playoff spot Saturday night against the Force. The Lumberjacks need just one point to secure a postseason berth.
Muskegon is currently seven points behind first-place Dubuque Fighting Saints and just one point behind the second-place Youngstown Phantoms. The top two teams in each conference earn a first-round bye in the Clark Cup playoffs.
The Lumberjacks jumped out to 2-0 lead with first-period goals from Jack Christ at the four-minute mark and Teddy Spitznagel at 8:34.
The Force responded with a goal from Matthew Lansing at the 4:20 mark of the second period.
The Lumberjacks increased their advantage to 3-1 with a goal from Ivan Ryabkin at 15:54.
Muskegon led 3-1 heading into the third period while outshooting Fargo 23-21 through two periods.
The Lumberjacks scored the lone goal of the third period at the 11:49 mark from Chase Stefanek.
Muskegon outshot the Force 36-25. Lumberjack goaltender Stephen Peck earned the victory with 24 saves on 25 shots.
