Buffalo, N.Y.—The Mercyhurst Men's Hockey team traveled to Buffalo and took down the Canisius Golden Griffins 3-0.
How it Happened
In the opening period both teams felt each other out and there were limited scoring chances on both sides. The Lakers tallied 10 shots while Kyle McClellan saved all eight Giffs shots that were thrown his way.
The second 40 minutes was much more opened up as each team had scoring chances. After each team traded chances the Lakers finally took the lead.
After a scrum in front of the net at the 11:44 mark of the period the puck went to Dustin Geregach. Geregach made a perfect slap-pass to Jonathan Bendorf and he made no mistake tapping the puck into the open net. Marko Reifenberger also picked up an assist on Bendorf's fifth of the year.
After two periods of play the Lakers were outshooting the Giffs 23-19.
At the 9:35 mark of the final frame Cade Townend blasted his seventh goal of the year on the power play. Just four seconds into the power play Mickey Burns won the face and Dante Sheriff fed it to Townend who made no mistake in the high slot.
After a Laker power play expired at the 13:32 mark of the frame Sheriff made a crucial defensive play to break up a Golden Griffin opportunity. He used his blazing speed to backcheck and breakup the play.
Geoff Kitt put the game on ice with just over a minute remaining in the third with an empty net goal. It was Kitt's third goal of the season while Paul Maust picked up his sixth assist of the season.
McCellan made 32 saves in his third shutout of the season including 13 in the third period.
What Does It Mean
The Lakers now have 33 points in the Atlantic Hockey standings, Mercyhurst still sits in ninth place. The Lakers can not move into tenth but they can move up to sixth and earn a first round bye.
Oh Captain, My Captain
Mr. Bendorf?
Coach, You're Up
Something In The Air
Up Next
The Lakers close out the regular season tomorrow as they go for the sweep on home ice against Canisius.
