Box Score Hudsvonille, Mich. – In their first extra time game of the year, Davenport came out on top winning 5-4 in a shoot out over cross-town rival Grand Valley State. The Panthers blew a two goal lead midway through the third period and held on to force overtime before Mike Soto scored the only goal in the shoot out to give the Panthers the win.
The victory lifts DU to an overall record of 17-7 and 9-3 in conference play. Davenport gets a break for the Holidays and will return to action when they host Lawrence Tech on January 7.
Grand Valley came out firing with a couple of scoring chances early including a two on one break but John Cruse (Shelby Twp, Mich.) made some big saves to keep the game scoreless.
About 10 seconds after a Davenport power play ended, Grand Valley State got on the board with 10:28 remaining in the first period. Davenport responded a few minutes later with a goal by Bryon Guerin (Jackson, Mich.) with Justin Welker (Speedway, Ind.) picking up the assist.
With 5:56 remaining in the first period, Zack Feher (Livonia, Mich.) scored his first of two goals on the night when he knocked in a rebound off the Grand Valley goalie to give Davenport a 2-1 lead at the first intermission.
Grand Valley got the only goal of the second period with a four on four goal with 6:44 remaining in the second period.
Davenport got the go-ahead tally early in the third period with a goal by Norm Farr (Jenison, Mich.) at 16:52. Four minutes later, Zack Feher (Livonia, Mich.) got his second goal of the game on a pass from Garrett Garber to give the Panthers a 4-2 lead with 11:50 remaining.
The host Lakers wouldn't go away and scored two goals in a minute to tie the game at four. Davenport survived a late four on three power play to force overtime.Cruse made several big saves at the end of regulation and in overtime to keep the Panthers in the game.
The shoot out was dominated by the goalies as both teams missed their first two shots before Mike Soto's shot found the back of the net. Cruse made the final save to give the Panthers a win.
Davenport has now evened the career series with Grand Valley at four games apiece after the 2-0 sweep of the Lakers this season. The Panthers will get a few weeks off for the Holidays before returning to action on January 7th when they host Lawrence Tech.
