Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Men's hockey team started the Atlantic Hockey playoffs on Friday with an overtime win over Holy Cross to give the 1-0 series lead.
How it Happened
The Lakers were forced into killing off a five minute major penalty just 57 seconds into the game as Cade Townend was given a five minute major and game misconduct for checking from behind. Mercyhurst killed off the penalty and allowed just one shot.
The Crusaders took the lead the 14:24 mark of the period as they beat Kyle McClellan on an odd man rush.
After a chippy opening 20 minutes the Lakers were down just one despite being outshot 8-2.
In the second period neither team could score despite Holy Cross tallying 12 shots compared to just five from Mercyhurst.
The Lakers finally knotted the game at the 3:45 mark of the third period as they scored their 28th game power play goal of the season. Carson Briere was sitting on the door step as Josh McDougall got a point shot through. Briere tapped home his 12th goal of the season to tie the game at one.
Neither team could convert for the rest of the third, the teams went back to their locker rooms to prepare for overtime with Holy Cross leading in shots 32-11.
The Lakers generated four shots in overtime and their fourth found the back of the net. Geoff Kitt played the puck to Garrett Dahm who flung a wrister towards the net. Paul Maust redirected passed the net minder to give the Lakers the win. It was Maust's third of the season and Dahm's first career collegiate point.
McClellan needed to make just one save in overtime while tallying 32 for the night.
Battle of Special Teams
The Lakers held Holy Cross to just four shots on two power plays. Mercyhurst tallied two shots and was 1-2 on the power-play.
Let's Hear From The Team
Up Next
The Lakers go for the first round sweep tomorrow against Holy Cross to advance to the AHA Quarterfinals.
