Lakers win back-to-back shootouts
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State and Bowling Green repeated Friday's outcome on Saturday, tying 1-1 for the second straight night. The Lakers were again victorious in the shootout, 2-1. The only difference from the previous night was that the shootout was decided in four rounds instead of three.
The Lakers (5-9-4 overall, 3-6-2-2 Central Collegiate Hockey Association) aren unbeaten in five straight games at the Taffy Abel Arena. LSSU is 3-0-2-2 since Nov. 6 against league opponents.
The Lakers' and Falcons’ goal scoring scenario was identical to Friday’s game. Bowling Green scored the first goal of the game at 16:31 of the second period. BGSU’s goal, a power-play goal, was netted by James McIntosh.
LSSU struggled to get scoring chances during the first two periods and was out-shot 23-10. The Lakers dominated the third period, however, and out-shot BGSU 18-5. Both goalies stopped break-aways during the final seven minutes of regulation.
LSSU junior defender Kyle Haines (3-3—6) netted the tying goal at 4:27 of the third period. Haines' goal was assisted by freshmen Matt Bruneteau (0-3—0) and Kyle Jean (1-7—8).
The Lakers were 0-for-2 on the power play, while the Falcons (6-10-2 overall, 2-8-2-0 CCHA) were 1-for-1.
Halfway through an excited, but scoreless overtime period, LSSU goaltender Kevin Kapalka made two big saves to protect LSSU's point. He also got a bit lucky when a high shot went just over his glove and landed on top of the net with 10 seconds remaining.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net during round one of the shootout. BGSU’s LSSU’s sophomore forward Domenic Monardo matched Marc Rodriguez’s goal during the second round. After both LSSU and BGSU missed the net during round three, the Lakers came out on top with a shootout goal from senior forward Will Acton.
Kapalka (4-4-3-2) picked up his second shootout victory, stopping a 32 shots on goal, while Andrew Hammond for BGSU made 29 saves.
The Lakers will return home after the holiday season, Jan. 14-15, against Michigan State. Both games will be at 7:05 P.M. They play at Western Michigan Dec. 10-11.
