The Lindenwood men’s hockey team (4-8-0) completed the series sweep of Army (1-7-1, 0-3-0 AHA), defeating the Black Knights 5-3 on Saturday afternoon from West Point, N.Y.
GAME OVERVIEW
The Lions started quickly as Ryan Finnegan picked up a loose puck and headed the other way with David Gagnon on a breakaway and Gagnon made no mistake, giving Lindenwood a 1-0 lead just 16 seconds into the game. The quality chances continued for Lindenwood throughout the opening period, as the Lions outshot the Black Knights 19-7 in the first 20 minutes of play. Army would find an equalizer at the 8:49 mark of the period, as the score was 1-1 after 20 minutes of play.
Army earned an early powerplay opportunity, but Roni Salmenkangas and the kill stood strong, keeping the game tied 1-1. That would be until the 14-minute mark, as the Lions headed the other way on an odd-man rush. Hunter Johannes scored his second goal in as many nights, assisted by Andy Willis and Cade DeStefani, giving Lindenwood a 2-1 lead. Shortly after, on the man advantage, Lindenwood extended its lead to 3-1 as Caleb Price fired one past the Black Knights netminder, which was assisted by Gagnon and Jeffers. The Lions would take a 3-1 lead into the second intermission.
Army cut into the deficit less than five minutes into the final frame, as the score was 3-2 with 15 minutes remaining. Lindenwood responded right back as Andy Willis gave the Lions their two-goal lead again, assisted by Joahnnes at the 7:58 mark. The Black Knights wouldn’t go away as they got within one again, finding the back of the net on the powerplay at the 11:05 mark, making the score 4-3. Lindenwood withstood a push from the Black Knights who were looking for the equalizer. Cade DeStefani wristed one past the netminder giving Lindenwood a 5-3 lead, again assisted by Johannes. The Lions withstood a late push from Army, as Salmenkangas made 10 saves in the third period, completing a 5-3 win and series sweep.
GAME LEADERS
Johannes (one goal, two assists)
Gagnon (one goal, two assists, 10 shots)
Salmenkangas (28 saves)
UP NEXT
Lindenwood travels to Madison, Wis. For a matchup with Wisconsin. The two-game series will begin on Friday, Nov. 18 with a 7:00 p.m. puck drop.
