Noah Vandenbrink’s power-play goal with two minutes left in regulation broke a 1-1 tie and lifted the St. Marys Lincolns to a 2-1 Game 4 victory over the LaSalle Vipers on Tuesday night in St. Marys.
In what was a tightly contested game with numerous power-play opportunities for both teams, the Lincolns were better able to capitalize on their chances, tying the game on a two-man advantage early in the third period and then notching the game-winner on a late power-play.
The Vipers had plenty of opportunities with the man-advantage as well, going 0/8 in the game, but it will be the late cross-checking penalty assessed to Max Frattaroli which resulted in the game-winner that will have left a sour taste.
Jake Eaton scored the lone LaSalle goal early in the first period and Matthew Sbrocca stopped 26/28 shots. St. Marys netminder Bryce Walcarius turned in a strong game at the other end, stopping 35 of 36 shots sent his way.
The loss sees the Vipers now facing elimination as the series shifts back to LaSalle for Game 5 on Thursday night with game-time set for 7:00 PM at the Vollmer Complex.
