OAK FOREST, IL - The Chicago Crush put on a clinic this past weekend, dismantling their division rivals, the Motor City Gamblers, in a three-game series that showcased their offensive firepower, defensive dominance, and goaltending brilliance. The Crush outscored the Gamblers 22-0 across the three games, extending their winning streak to seven games and solidifying their position as one of the league’s most dangerous teams.
Game 1: A Chicago Crush Statement Saturday, January 18 – Scott R Triphahn Arena
Final Score: Chicago Crush 13, Motor City Gamblers 0
The Crush came out swinging in the series opener, dropping a 13-spot on the Gamblers in a game that felt more like a highlight reel than a competitive matchup. Jason "The Gong Show" Gongol was the star of the show, netting five goals and adding two assists in a performance that left the Gamblers’ defense—and their goaltenders—utterly shell-shocked.
The onslaught began just 1:12 into the game when Mac King opened the scoring, and it didn’t stop there. William Kenny added two goals in the first period, while Gongol notched his first of the night to give the Crush a commanding 4-0 lead after 20 minutes. The second period was even more lopsided, with the Crush pouring in seven goals, including three on the power play. Gongol completed his hat trick in the second and added two more in the third for good measure.
Lukas Janicina was a brick wall in net, stopping all 26 shots he faced to secure the shutout. The Crush’s power play was lethal, converting on three of five opportunities, while their penalty kill was perfect, snuffing out both of Motor City’s chances.
Game 2: Sunday, January 19 – West Meadows Ice Arena
Final Score: Chicago Crush 3, Motor City Gamblers 0
If Game 1 was a fireworks display, Game 2 was a surgical dismantling. The Crush didn’t light up the scoreboard as they did the night before, but they controlled the game from start to finish, outshooting the Gamblers 61-13. Aidan Wysoglad stepped into the crease and was flawless, turning aside all 13 shots he faced for his first shutout of the series.
Ryan Brown opened the scoring midway through the second period, and Mac King added an insurance goal late in the frame. Trevor Peterson sealed the deal in the third, capping off another dominant performance. The Gamblers’ penalty box was a revolving door, as they took 10 penalties totaling 20 minutes, but the Crush couldn’t capitalize on the power play, going 0-for-10. Still, their even-strength dominance was more than enough to secure the win.
Game 3: Monday, January 20 – West Meadows Ice Arena
Final Score: Chicago Crush 6, Motor City Gamblers 0
The Crush closed out the series with another commanding performance, blanking the Gamblers for the third straight game. Jason Gongol continued his torrid pace, scoring two goals and adding two assists to bring his series totals to seven goals and six assists. Mac King and Caden Day also had multi-point games, while Lukas "The Slovak Wall" Janicina returned to the net and stopped all 43 shots he faced for his second shutout of the series.
The Crush’s penalty kill was tested in this one, as they took eight penalties totaling 38 minutes, including a game misconduct for Tyler Rentner after a fight and another for Logan Fernandes for boarding. Despite being shorthanded for much of the game, the Crush killed off all six Gamblers power plays and even added a shorthanded goal from Mac King in the second period.
Series MVP: Jason "The Gong Show" Gongol
Gongol was nothing short of spectacular in this series, tallying seven goals and six assists for 13 points in three games. His ability to find open ice, finish chances, and create opportunities for his linemates was on full display, and he now sits second on the team in scoring with 20 goals and 19 assists on the season.
Coach’s Corner: Phil Bushbacher
Crush Associate Head Coach Phil Bushbacher had high praise for his team’s performance: “This was a complete team effort from top to bottom. Our guys came in focused and executed the game plan to perfection. Jason [Gongol] was obviously outstanding, but you can’t overlook the contributions from everyone else. Our defensemen were rock-solid, our goaltenders were unbeatable, and our forwards were relentless. Three shutouts in a row against a division rival? That’s special.”
Looking Ahead
The Chicago Crush didn’t just win this series—they sent a message. Three games, three shutouts, and a combined 22-0 scoreline against a division rival is the kind of dominance that makes the rest of the league sit up and take notice. Jason Gongol’s otherworldly performance (7 goals, 6 assists in three games) was the exclamation point on a weekend that showcased the Crush’s depth, discipline, and determination.
But here’s the scary part: this team is just getting started. With their offense humming, their defense suffocating, and their goaltenders standing tall, the Crush are hitting their stride at the perfect time.
Final Series Stats:
Goals For: 22
Goals Against: 0
Shots For: 148
Shots Against: 82
Power Play: 3/15 (20%)
Penalty Kill: 10/10 (100%)
As the Crush turn their attention to the next chapter of their season, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a hot streak. This is a team with championship aspirations, and they’re playing like they’re on a mission. If this series was any indication, the rest of the league should be on high alert. The Crush aren’t just coming for wins—they’re coming for everything. Catch all the Chicago Crush excitement live on FloHockey.tv!
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