With the Lions barely escaping the Cyclones’ grip in game one on Friday, Iowa State looked to get back on track in game two. Iowa State was able to take the Lindenwood University Lions to a shootout after going to the overtime period, but came up short, losing 4-3 in the shootout.

As expected, the game started out with great speed from both teams as the Lions took the early offensive advantage. Lindenwood opted to pull its goalie for a short amount of time just before the 17-minute mark left in the first period, but the Cyclones were unable to take advantage. The Lions then went into an impressive display of cycling the puck but was countered by the Cyclones getting in the shooting lanes, limiting their opportunities.

“We just had to be physical with them, wear them down,” said coach Al Murdoch.

The quick change of possessions and tough defensive play continued to the midway point of the first period, as the score remained scoreless. Toward the end of the first period, the Cyclones were unable to capitalize on good scoring opportunities until senior forward Mike Murtaugh put in a goal from just in front of the blue line.

The goal came on the power play as he was helped out by sophomore forward Mike Lebler and junior defenseman Brent Cornelius. The Cyclones took the 1-0 lead into the locker room at the end of the first period.

Lindenwood struck back in the second period with 12 minutes left with a goal by forward Jake Edbner, evening the score at 1-1. Less than a minute later, Iowa State took the lead and the momentum back on a goal by junior forward Derek Behrman, pushing the score to 2-1.

With 1:49 left in the second period, the Lions tied the game up at 2-2 with a goal by forward Henry St. Arnauot. The Lions’ junior defenseman Colin Long was able to put another one in the net with just five seconds remaining off a face-off as the Lions stole the lead, ending the third period, 3-2. Lindenwood was aided by a mysterious unsportsmanlike conduct penalty called against the Cyclones, putting Iowa State a man down for Lindenwood’s third goal.

“We showed some youthfulness; didn’t maintain our composure and that will be corrected in practice, but I was glad that we were able to bounce back and get the victory,” Murdoch said.

The end of the second period set the stage for another close finish between these two ACHA powerhouses.

Sophomore forward Mike Lebler helped bring the game back on even terms, finding sophomore forward Jordan Pascale for a goal with 9:36 remaining, tying the score at 3-3 on the power play.

Iowa State took the lead and momentum back when junior forward Brian Spring put the puck in the net off a missed shot and a deflection by the Lions goalie, Chris Abbot, putting the Cyclones up 4-3.

“Those goals were huge for momentum, they came when we were needing a break. They were the type of goals that if you get one, you get two,” Pascale said.

Spring also felt that he owed that winning goal to his team.

“It feels awesome,” Spring said. “On their second goal I didn’t get the puck deep enough and on their third goal I lost that face off so I felt like I owed it to my team. It’s more of a relief than anything.”

Sophomore goalie Erik Hudson followed that up with an impressive top-shelf glove save off the stick of Long. Lindenwood then took a timeout with a little under two minutes left to go in the game, as Iowa State held on to the 4-3 lead.

The Lions were able to gain a little momentum back when a holding penalty was called on Lbeler with 1:34 remaining, forcing Murdoch to call a timeout. At this point, the Lions pulled their goalie to have an extra man on the offensive possession.

The Cyclones were able to hang on, however, winning 4-3 and splitting the series with the second-ranked Lions.

Despite getting out shot 31-22, the Cyclones were still able to top the Lions, which is a credit to the goaltending of Erik Hudson.

“Huddy is a great goalie, that just shows that he’s focused and ready to get it done,” Pascale said.

After beating the No. 2 team in the nation, it does wonders for the team’s confidence as the season goes on.

“This shows that we can play with anybody and play well. We’re willing to work hard. This is not an easy school to go to and it’s not an easy team to play for; our coaching staff is very demanding. Our players want to be here for that reason,” Murdoch said.

Next week, the Cyclones will go on the road for the first time as they travel and play Eastern Michigan. Pascale mentioned the biggest thing about road hockey is to keep it simple and Spring feels that getting adjusted is the biggest thing.

“We’ve (the older guys) been there before so were going to do the best we can to help the younger guys out with stuff like how to deal with the crowd and how to block it out if that’s an issue. It should be fun though, it’s a time for the team to bond and get some rest in and homework done,” Spring said.