After a disappointing loss Friday night, men's ice hockey earned a series split with a 5-2 victory in the series finale against Davenport Saturday afternoon at the Lindenwood Ice Arena.  What was a close game through the first two periods turned into a convincing win as the Lions scored three unanswered goals in the final frame.

After 15 plus minutes of scoreless hockey to start the game, Lindenwood put the first tally on the board with 4:30 remaining as Brandon Rumble and Kevin Walters set up Lukas Daniels.  The Panthers tied the contest at one early in the second and then added a power play goal at the 12:10 mark.  The Lions answered just over a minute-and-a-half later when senior Rock Einersen buried a feed from Christoffer Lowenhielm and the game was tied 2-2 heading to the final period. 

Lindenwood took a 3-2 lead midway through the third on a power play goal from Mike Lozano, assisted by Tobias Nasgarde and Einersen.  The Lions extended the advantage with 8:39 left in regulation on a score from Lowenheilm, who was set up by Walters and Alexander Carlsson.  With time running down and Davenport trailing by two goals, the Panthers pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, but Lindenwood turned out the lights with an empty-netter from Mitch Riese. 

Davenport had a big shot advantage 32-18, but the Lions were efficient and strong on special teams, scoring twice on five power play opportunities while holding the Panther to one goal on four chances.  Michael Hails stopped 30 out of 32 shots to earn the win for Lindenwood between the pipes.

With the victory, the Lions improved to 13-11-2 overall and finished the season with a record of 8-8-1 on home ice.  The final four games before the Central States Collegiate Hockey League Playoffs are on the road, starting with a two game set against Illinois February 6-7.  The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday night at the Illinois Ice Arena in Urbana-Champaign, Ill.