Larsson, O'Donoghue Lift Vikings in Overtime

SALEM, Mass. --  Erik Larsson's game-tying goal with 1:48 left in the third period forced overtime as Salem State came-from-behind to defeat Fitchburg State 3-2 in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) matchup at Rockett Arena on Thursday evening.

Larsson then setup Keagan O'Donoghue for the game-winner on a breakaway just 1:24 into the extra period as Larsson finished the night with a pair of goals and an assist. The Vikings pick up their fifth win (5-16) and go to 3-11 in the MASCAC. The Falcons slip to 8-9-3 and 6-5-3 in conference.

Larsson, who has scored in four straight games, put Salem State in front 1-0 at 5:57 of the first when his backhander beat goalie Max Macchioni for the game's only tally in the opening period.

The two teams played evenly throughout the second period as Salem State goalie Aaron Mercer made the Vikings' one-goal lead stand up. However, Fitchburg State's Antoine Gignac ripped a slapshot just :10 seconds into the third to tie the game. Later, Cole Archambeault put the Falcons in front 2-1 when he rang a shot off the post and into the back of the net to give Fitchburg State their first lead of the game.

However, with the game approaching the final minute, Larsson, who earlier beat goaltender Macchioni with a backhander stick-side, went to the other side and backhanded a shot over the glove of the freshman goalie to tie the score at 2-2 with just 1:24 remaining in the game to ignite a Vikings' rally and overtime victory.

Mercer earned the win in net, stopping 45-of-47 shots.  Max Macchioni made 42 stops in a losing effort. Shots were nearly even, 47-45 in favor of the Vikings while both teams went 0-for-3 on the power-play.