Maryland Heights, MO. – The Lindenwood University Lions (3-4-0) came up short in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Miami (OH) RedHawks (5-0-0) on Friday and Saturday night at Centene Community Ice Center, despite strong offensive performances in each game.
Friday Night: Miami 5, Lindenwood 4 (OT)
On both Friday and Saturday night, the Lions battled through a high-scoring matchup that saw five lead changes in both games combined. Miami’s Doug Grimes opened scoring halfway through the first period, but Giovanni Morneau tied the game and put the Lions on the board late in the first off of a one-timer from Jake Southgate.
In the second period, Lindenwood surged ahead, taking a 3-1 lead with more goals from Southgate and Morneau – both on the power play – before Miami put in two more goals in the last two minutes of the second period to tie the game.
Jacob Fletcher gave Lindenwood a 4-3 lead halfway through the third with another power play goal from the Lions. Miami’s Maximillion Helgeson tied the game late in the third to force overtime. Early in overtime, Ilia Morozov scored on a backhander following a video review to secure the 5-4 win for the RedHawks.
Southgate recorded his first career three-point game (1 G, 2 A), while Morneau scored twice for his second multi-goal game of the season. Lindenwood finished 3/5 on the power play and outshot Miami 35-32.
Saturday Night: Miami 5, Lindenwood 4 (OT)
The Lions came out strong again on Saturday night, striking first when freshman Olivier Houde netted the first of his two goals at 7:43 into the game, assisted by Charles Savoie and Giovanni Morneay. Miami’s Ryan Smith answered late in the period to even the score at 1-1.
Smith gave the RedHawks a 2-1 lead early in the second period before Louis-Philippe Fontaine tied the game for Lindenwood. Houde then had his second of the night, scoring again on a 3-1 rush to put the Lions back in the lead at 3-2. Miami responded quickly with two goals in under a minute from Helgeson and Justin Stupka, reclaiming the lead.
Adam Raesler tied the game to 4-4 for the Lions late in the second period, finishing a rebound off a shot from Jaeden Mercier. The Lions dominated the third period in shots (14-6) but could not find the game-winner. In overtime, Smith completed his hat trick for the RedHawks, scoring 1:35 into OT, handing Lindenwood their second consecutive overtime loss.
Since becoming a D1 team, this is the first time that Lindenwood has lost two consecutive games in overtime. Houde recorded his first multi-goal game as a Lion, and Southgate recorded two assists on the night.
Lindenwood will look for a win on the road next weekend when they take on Ferris State in Big Rapids, Michigan. game one is set for Friday, Oct. 31, at 6:07 p.m., and game two is set for Saturday, Nov. 1, at 6:07 p.m.
