Iowa State captured a series sweep of Minot State at home this past weekend, but not without game-ending drama Saturday night.

The Cyclones (14-2-1-1) had the opportunity to sweep the Beavers (7-5-2) after a 4-1 victory in the opener and a four-goal lead in the third period Saturday. But with less than three minutes to go, Minot State scored to make it a two-goal deficit.

With their goalie pulled, the Beavers then scored again with 30 seconds left to narrow the deficit to one and create unexpected tension in the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.

“I thought we had a good game plan after a timeout to win the draw, and we did. We just didn’t get it quite out and they got a shot and was deflected in,” said coach Al Murdoch. “That was a case of a very talented team we were playing against getting a few bounces.”

Iowa State was able to deny the Beavers the improbable comeback as the game ended. The near meltdown in the third was uncharacteristic of the Cyclones’ play throughout the series.

Minot State scored the first goal Friday night, but it was all Cyclones after that. Between the two games, Iowa State rattled off eight straight goals before the Beavers had any answer.

J.P. Kascsak scored the first and last goals of that stretch. His goal in the Saturday matchup was part of a three-goal stretch in a little more than two minutes in the first period.

“He’s got a good shot and a killer instinct,” Murdoch said. “He’s shooting the puck without hesitation.”

Out of the eight goals scored, Kascsak had a hand in five of them, finishing with four goals and one assist. His line, which includes fellow freshmen Jake Rombach and James Buttermore, scored three of the four goals both nights.

“I thought we complemented each other pretty well,” Kascsak said. “We were always in the right spot. I think it’s good chemistry, but we also work hard, make smart plays and communicate pretty well.”

His line is tops offensively for the Cyclones through 18 games this season.

“Right from the start they’ve just meshed really well,” said senior Brian Rooney. “They’re just working the puck well. When they move the puck like they do, defenses can’t keep up with it and they open up opportunities for themselves all over the ice.”

It is back-to-back ranked opponents for the Cyclones as they hit the road for the second time this season next weekend, traveling to Ohio University.