SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team led Saint Mary’s for most of Tuesday night’s home opener, but the Cardinals were able to tie the score late in the third period and netted the game-winner in overtime for a 5-4 decision. The Gusties drop to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in the MIAC, while the Cardinals improve to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the league.
Toby Sengvongxay (Sr., Luverne) got the scoring started 3:42 into the game with a power play goal, assisted by Stanislav Danaev (Fy., Moscow, Russia). Four minutes later, Connor Clemons (Jr., Savage) tallied his first goal of the season with a close one-timer from Caleb Anderson (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) and the Gusties held a 2-0 lead at the first intermission.
Saint Mary’s was able to end the shutout 3:16 into the second period, but three minutes later Dylan Gast (Jr., Dellwood) was able to regain a two-goal lead for the Gusties with his first score of the season, assisted by Brendan Elliott (Jr., Marquette, Mich.) and Dan Sandvig (Jr., Savage). At the 14:14 mark of the middle frame, the Cardinals brought the score back to within one and the score remained 3-2 Gustavus after 40 minutes.
It took just 28 seconds into the third for the Cardinals to tie the score, but Elliott responded less than a minute later with a goal, helped by Tyler Rock (Sr., Savage) and Logan Norman (Sr., Luverne). SMU was able to tie the score for the second time at the 10:42 mark and neither team could find the back of the net for the remainder of regulation.
Gustavus had a couple good looks at the potential game-winner in overtime, but it was the Cardinals that took advantage of a rebound off the post and a shot for the sudden-death victory.
Saint Mary’s edged the Gusties in shots 29-27. Gustavus did well on special teams, converting on its one man-advantage opportunity while killing both Cardinal power plays.
Robbie Goor (Sr., Anoka) suffered the loss after making a number of impressive saves. He totaled 24 saves in nearly 62 minutes of action.
Gustavus continues MIAC play at Don Roberts Ice Rink on Thursday as it hosts St. Thomas.