Special Teams Play Keys Men’s ACHA D2 Hockey Win over Florida Gulf Coast 6-4

Special teams played a key role Saturday afternoon as the ACHA Division II men’s hockey team defeated Florida Gulf Coast 6-4 as part of the Miami University (Ohio) Showcase at Goggin Ice Arena in Oxford, Ohio. Lindenwood gave up six power plays to the Eagles, but only allowed one goal. The Lions only had two man advantage spots, but they both scored.

The first goal of the match was scored without an assist Steve Avalonegiving Lindenwood a 1-0 lead at the 5:52 mark of the opening period. Sean McMahon doubled that advantage when he shot the puck 14:50 into the game Josh Lynn and Jakob Behnenbut FGCU scored twice within 61 seconds to tie the game.

The situation remained even at 2-2, until an attack in the second half of the second period gave the Lions the lead for good. Jack Radley sounded the horn at 13:22 with the help of Behnen and service Chase McClellanthen two power play goals came in quick succession, the first from the field Stanley Lucas just 28 seconds later. Radley and Linn earned the assists. Linn made it 5-2 on Lindenwood’s second power play at 15:08 as an assist Ryan Granville and Avalone.

The Eagles scored their only power play goal with 58 seconds left in the period to make it 5-3, but the Lions responded Michael Mullen assisted shot at 7:23 of the third to extend the lead to 6-3. FGCU added an even-strength goal in the final four minutes of regulation, but that was as close as the Eagles would get before time expired.

Shots on goal were nearly even as Lindenwood held a 44-41 lead, but Ethan Paulin-Hatch was strong in goal, stopping 37 of the 41 shots he faced to earn the win for the Lions, who improved to 20-5-0 overall.

Lindenwood wraps up play in the Miami University Showcase against Liberty University on Sunday afternoon. The puck drops at 1:20 p.m. at Goggin Ice Arena in Oxford, Ohio.