The Lincoln Stars couldn't claw back from a second-period deficit and fell to the Sioux City Musketeers, 4-2, on Friday night at the Ice Box.
Lincoln's (20-10-1) four-game winning streak came to an end as they suffered their first regulation loss at home since Dec. 2. Sioux City (15-12-2-3) scored four times in the second period after a scoreless first period to even up the season series.
Brennan Ali and Tanner Ludtke scored power-play goals for the Stars in the third period. Ali also hit the post with a shot in the first period and nearly set up a shorthanded tally later in the third.
Lincoln finished the game strong, outshooting Sioux City, 14-2, thanks in part to five power plays in the frame. The Stars could not completely claw back from the second period. They surrendered a goal on the Musketeers third power play of the night to open the scoring and then added three more goals to take a commanding lead.
"You've gotta play 60 minutes in this league," head coach Rocky Russo said. "We talked to the guys about how small the margin of error is and there's no team that you feel you can have an advantage over when you step on the ice."
Ali's goal came after a strong pinch by Cole Crusberg-Roseen. He found Michael Mesic across the ice and Ali one-timed a one-touch pass from Mesic to break up the shutout bid at the 5:33 mark of the third.
Ludtke scored his team-leading 17th of the year in a familiar spot on the power play at the bottom of the right circle with the Stars' net empty. Each of his last five goals have come on the man advantage and he leads Lincoln with eight power-play goals.
The Stars get a quick opportunity to bounce back against the Musketeers as they face them again on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. at the Tyson Events Center. Lincoln's next three games are on the road and they won't be back at the Ice Box until Feb. 3-4 against Sioux Falls and Sioux City. Tickets can be purchased at lincolnstars.com.
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