By Mason Lyttle
LA CROSSE, WI — Another game, another come-from-behind victory, but Saturday night was Coulee Region’s turn to spook the Jets, as the Chill scored three goals in the final frame to win the last of three straight games between the Wisconsin rivals.
The Jets showed no signs of “bus legs,” jumping on Coulee Region with 12 shots in the first period, but goaltender Emil Zetterquist was up to the task. Neither team scored in the opening frame with Janesville earning a 12-6 lead on the shot clock.
Janesville poured even more on in the 2nd, widening the gap in the shot department but struggled to beat Zetterquist. Late in the period, Billy Duma committed a tripping penalty and the Jets struck on their third power play opportunity of the evening as John Pesek (17:46 2nd) celebrated his 19th birthday with his second goal in as many games.
The Chill came alive in the third period and immediately reversed the game with goals from Connor Zilisch (1:20 3rd) and Bailey Martin (2:38 3rd), stealing the one-goal lead. The Chill continued pressuring but Garrett Nieto stood tall, turning away several good chances including a breakaway. Midway through the period, the Chill earned their insurance marker when they converted another power play with a one-time blast from Nick Bowman (13:19 3rd) to double the lead.
Playing well in the loss was Garrett Nieto (7-2-0-0), making 26 saves on 29 shots, but Emil Zetterquist (2-2-1-1) shined for the Chill, playing an almost perfect 60 minutes as he turned away 42 of 43.
The Jets return home next weekend for a Friday/Saturday series versus the Minnesota Magicians.