The battle on I-74 continued for the Vermilion County Bobcats as they traveled to Moline to take on the Quad City Storm for the first time in 2023. A goal in the third period did in the Bobcats as they lose 4-2.

It was another first for the Bobcats. Brendan Murphy tallied his first goal as a pro at 3:36 of the first period. It was on the power play, which the Bobcats have been struggling on. Austin Albrecht and TJ Sneath picked up assists on the power play goal. Quad City tied the game late in the first, as Matt Ustaski broke in alone and beat starting goalie Brett Epp for his 6^th goal of the season.

Epp made 21 of 22 saves in the first. Vermilion County also successfully killed off two power plays awarded to the Storm.

Matt Ustaski picked up his second goal of the night and 7^th of the season at 11:32 of the second period to give the Storm their first lead of the night. The Bobcats tied the game on a rare shorthanded goal from David Kirkendall at 16:40, as he tipped in a beautiful pass from Gianni Vitali to tie the game at two.

Quad City was able to take the lead for good at 6:20 of the third period. They were able to add an empty net goal at 19:59 to seal the victory. Brett Epp made 46 of 49 saves, suffering his 13^th loss of the season. Kevin Resop picks up his 6gth victory of the season for the Storm.



The Bobcats will host Quad City at the David S. Palmer Arena tonight at 7 PM. You can watch the game online at SPHLTV.com and listen online by heading to the home page and clicking on the Mixlr app.