Nov. 22, 2008
Box Score
Grand Rapids, Mich. - The winning streak has come to an end as Liberty University posted a 5-4 overtime victory over Davenport Saturday night. The loss is the first of the season (18 in a row) and first since last February (27 in a row).
Liberty, ranked #4 in the latest ACHA DI Poll, scored the lone goal in the extra time to give them a 5-4 upset on the Panthers home ice. The loss is the first for Davenport since dropping an 8-7 decision to Oklahoma University on February 16 in the 2007-2008 season.
The game started out as expected at a very high pace, as both teams alternated opportunities but could not find the back of the net. With under 10 minutes remaining Davenport got on the board with a powerplay goal from Adam Thomas. Just moments later Brit Ouellette extended the lead to 2-0 with late goal in the first period and the Panthers went into the intermission leading 2-0.
The second period was very difficult to get alot of flow going as both teams were penalized several times. The Flames scored a quick power play goal in the first minute and tied the game one minute later on a tip in goal. The Panthers came back and scored a wrap around goal two minutes later by Bobby Collar to gain the lead back. Adam Thomas then scored to make it 4-2 on a nice give and go from Collar. The Flames would add a late goal to cut the lead to one heading into the final 20 twenty minutes.
Penalties once again doomed the Panthers early on in the third as the Flames scored a power-play goal less than five minutes into the period. DU then killed off four penalties in third to keep the game tied and a late penalty by the Flames opened the door and allowed the Panthers the opportunity to extend their winning streak this season the 19. With only seconds remaining a Kevin Brojek slap shot rebounded right on Adam Thomas' stick, but a nice save by the Flames goalie sent the game into overtime.
Davenport continued to press during the remainder of their power play early in overtime, but just as the penaly expired, the Flames capitalized on a fast break with a wrist shot that hand cuffed Chris Joswiak to end the game and end Davenport University's longest winning streak in school history.
The Panthers still hold a 37 game unbeaten streak against ACHA D2 opponents.
Davenport will host Liberty in the final weekend game on Sunday, November 23 at 1:30 at Patterson Ice Center.
