Men's ice hockey earned a 2-1 victory over Illinois Saturday afternoon at the Lindenwood Ice Arena in Wentzville, Mo. to extend a current winning streak to seven straight games.
 
The Lions put most of their offensive output in the first period, but that was all that they needed.  With 14:41 left in the opening frame, Brett Bauza scored his first collegiate goal with help from Stephen Bopp and Lukas Daniels.  Daniels helped on a second goal as well along with Rock Einersen, which set up Brandon Rumble on the power play at the midway point of the period.
 
Then the Lindenwood defense clamped down for the rest of the game, only allowing a second period goal at the 12 minute mark. 
 
The Lions outshot the Illini 33-27, and Michael Hails was dominant between the pipes, stopping 26 of the 27 shots he faced. Lindenwood went 1-4 on the power play, but that proved to be the game-winner.  Illinois was held scoreless on three man-advantage chances.
 
With the victory, the Lions improved to 7-4-1 overall and have started 6-0-0 in the Central States Collegiate Hockey League.  After six straight conference games, Lindenwood will step outside the CSCHL for a two-game series at home against Oklahoma November 8-9.  The two teams split a previous set in early October, but an 8-1 win in game two against the Sooner started the current streak for the Lions.  The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening and again at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the Lindenwood Ice Arena in Wentzville, Mo.