Box Score

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – The Marian University men's hockey team was 19 seconds away from a narrow victory until Finlandia University netted the tying goal and then scored 2:19 into overtime to shock the Sabres, 4-3, in their annual “Pink Out” game inside Blue Line Family Ice Center this afternoon, Jan. 28.

Sporting pink jerseys and socks in an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer, the Sabres came out firing on all cylinders as they took a quick 2-0 lead in the first period. The lead grew to as much as 3-1 until Finlandia stormed back to tie the game just before the end of regulation. Alex Heinonen scored with 19 seconds left and then Clancy MacNeil won it in overtime with a slap shot from just inside the blue line.

Freshman Brian Berger scored his team-leading 12th and 13th goals of the season in the first period. Mitch Kriz also added a goal in the loss.

With the win, Finlandia improves to 5-13 overall, 5-9 in the MCHA and keeps its playoff hopes alive with six games remaining in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Sabres fall to 9-6-4 (8-3-3 MCHA).

Berger's goals came less than six minutes apart in the opening stanza. The first at the 7:45 mark was assisted by his brother Matt Berger and Aaron Leonard. The second goal came at the 13:31 mark on an assist from Mike McCurtain.

After missing out on a shutout in the team's 4-1 win the night before, Marian goalie Josh Baker looked like he might be able to complete it this time until Griffen Hodges got the Lions on the board with less than six minutes left in the second period.

Then, with 15 seconds remaining in the period, Kriz got the goal back to make it a 3-1 win after Leonard and Brendan Roberts produced assists that led to the score.

After two periods of play, the Sabres had outshot the Lions 23-10, but the third period belonged to the visitors. In the third, Finlandia more than doubled its shot total with 12 shots on net. Two of which snuck past Baker. Travis Armstrong brought the Lions to within a goal at the 11:24 mark, scoring on a power play. Then, with 19 seconds remaining, Heinonen scored the dramatic tying goal.

After controlling the puck in the early goings of the overtime period, the Lions got the most unexpected of goals with MacNeil connecting on a slap shot from distance at the 2:19 mark. In front of his own bench, MacNeil found the far side top shelf to give the Lions the thrilling come-from-behind win.

The Sabres outshot the Lions, 35-24, for the game and FU's Mike Wuthrich made 32 saves in earning the win.

Marian will now await a Friday-Saturday series with Lawrence as both squads play for the coveted Battle of 41 Trophy. Friday's game is slated for 7 p.m. in Appleton followed by a Saturday match-up at 4 p.m. in Fond du Lac. Four points separate the first place Sabres from the second place Vikings heading into play next weekend.