The Lindenwood men's hockey team (5-17-0) dropped the series finale with LIU (8-15-1) by a score of 6-4 on Saturday night from East Meadow, N.Y.

GAME OVERVIEW
The Sharks used two early powerplays, capitalizing on one, while adding another at even strength to grab a 2-0 lead at the 7:45 mark. Lindenwood used a man advantage of its own to cut the lead in half. After some good possession in the offensive zone, Kyle Jeffers set up David Gagnon for a one-timer, which he deposited into the back of the net, making the score 2-1 with just over seven minutes to go in the opening period. Ryan Finnegan also picked up a helper on the score, but the Lions trailed by that score after 20 minutes of play.

LIU regained its two-goal advantage 38 seconds into the middle frame, going up 3-1. The Lions responded quickly, however as Hunter Johannes stickhandled in the offensive zone, created some space, and put one on net, after the initial stop, Jeffers poked home the rebound. Shane Lavelle also assisted on the play, moving the score to 3-2 at the 2:15 mark. LIU would respond as well, regaining the two-goal lead shortly after. Then it was Lindenwood's turn to counter back. Off an offensive zone draw won by Zach Aughe, Jeffers first shot was blocked, but Johannes put home the rebound, making the score 4-3 at the 12:22 mark. The Sharks went on to add two more late goals and would carry a 6-3 lead after 40 minutes.

Lindenwood outshot LIU 13-7 in the third, trying to claw back. The game continued with the same score line until late. Kabore Dunn and Aiden Yakimchuk played catch up top, Dunn fired it on net and Aughe slotted home the rebound to make it 6-4 with 1:28 remaining. It would be too little, too late, unfortunately as the Sharks picked up the victory.

GAME LEADERS
Jeffers (one goal, two assists)
Johannes (one goal, one assist, six shots)
Aughe (one goal, one assist)

UP NEXT
Lindenwood will return home to take on Stonehill on February 10-11 at Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo.