The Gustavus men’s hockey team started the second half of its MIAC season with a 2-2 tie against Augsburg on Friday night in Minneapolis. The Gusties bounced back from a two-goal deficit to even the score at 2-2 at the 16:35 mark of the second period. Gustavus’ Zach May was credited with the game-tying goal, as neither team could net the game-winner in over 28 minutes of hockey.
Gustavus moves to 9-5-2 overall and 3-2-2 in the MIAC, while Augsburg goes to 8-4-2 overall and 2-2-1 in the MIAC.
“Considering that we had a three-and-a-half hour bus to get up to Augsburg, and the fact that we were down 2-0 early in the second, hanging in there and battling back to come away with a tie is a great accomplishment for this young group,” said Head Coach Brett Petersen.
Augsburg jumped out in front with a goal by Landon Olson at the 13:49 point of the first period. The Gusties outshot the Auggies 12-6 in the period yet couldn’t get the puck past goaltender Justin Lochner. Augsburg would take the 1-0 advantage into the first intermission.
The MIAC’s leading scorer Joel Sauer extended the lead to 2-0 just over seven minutes into the second period. Gustavus cut the lead two minutes later when Mitch Carlson scored on the power play on assists from Ross Ring-Jarvi and Shael Hecter. It was the only power play goal of the game as Gustavus was 1-for-5 on the night.
The two squads played just over seven minutes of scoreless puck before May scored game-tying goal on assists from Tim LaBombard and Andrew Peterson. Gustavus doubled Augsburg’s shots for the second straight period 16-8.
Augsburg turned the tables in the third period, outshooting the Gusties 10-6 in the frame. Josh Swartout, who entered the game with an unblemished 6-0-0 career record against the Auggies, was up to the challenge and turned away all 10 shots, as the game would go into overtime tied 2-2.
The Auggies outshot Gustavus 3-2 in the overtime session, yet neither team could notch the game-winner. Swartout made 25 saves and moved to 5-4-2 on the season, while Lochner made 34 saves and is now 4-4-2 on the year.
“We had really good chances throughout the night, but both goaltenders played great tonight and it was fitting that we would go into overtime with Augsburg,” commented Petersen in reference to Gustavus’ 6-5 four-OT victory over the Auggies in the MIAC Playoff Semifinals last season.
The Gusties had a good night on the penalty kill, allowing just one shot on two Auggie power play attempts.
Carlson now leads the team with four power play goals this season.
The Gusties and Auggies will finish off the weekend series with game two from St. Peter tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. in Don Roberts Ice Rink.