UAH will just have to keep fighting for win number two. But tonight, Minnesota State continued to raise its game.
The Mavericks used three third-period goals to beat the Chargers 4-1 on Friday night at the Von Braun Center. It’s MSU’s sixth straight victory.
Matt Larose made a season-high 43 saves to keep UAH in the game as long as he could, but the Mavericks were able to capitalize on the power play with three goals on seven opportunities.
The Mavericks dominated possession in the first period, due partly because of three straight UAH penalties. The third power play was the charm for the Mavericks, as Dylan Margonari redirected the puck past Larose for a 1-0 lead.
Fortunately for the Chargers, it was the only goal Larose would allow in a period where they were outshot 20-5.
UAH stepped it up to start the second, forcing the Mavs into multiple icings and taking their timeout early. But Minnesota State would crank up the offensive pressure with four more power play shots following a Stephen McKenna slashing call.
UAH got its power play chances but could not convert. On one, the Chargers had MSU goalie Cole Huggins out of position, giving Brandon Carlson a wide open net, but his shot was blocked by a defenseman. In another, Minnesota State had five clears, allowing only one UAH shot on goal.
So many chances for goals, but none were to be found in the second period. UAH was still in the match despite a 33-16 shots deficit through two.
UAH finally broke through at the 3:46 mark of the third. Jack Prince earns his first goal of the season in traffic, assisted by Matt Salhany and Joakim Broberg, to tie the game at 1-1.
And then, what seems all too commonplace after a big goal this season, it didn’t take long for the opponent to retaliate. Just 18 seconds after a Brandon Carlson hooking penalty and 29 seconds after UAH tied it up, J.P. LaFontaine scored on a rebound to regain the lead for Minnesota State.
Just under three minutes later, Zach Lehrke made it 3-1, and that basically put the game away for good. MSU captain Johnny McInnis added another power play goal — the Mavs’ third on the night — for the final 4-1 score.
Minnesota State finished the game with a 47-24 shots advantage. UAH went 0-for-5 with the man advantage.
Both teams meet again Saturday night at 7:07 p.m. Kids 12 and under get free admission, and the first 500 fans get a Charger Blue bobblehead.