Vikings comeback falls short against the Rams

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications  

SALEM, Mass. -- Ashton Collazo (Victor, NY) scored the game winning goal with 34 seconds remaining in overtime to give Framingham State a 4-3 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) victory over Salem State on Thursday night at the Rockett Arena. The Rams increased their record to 5-8, 5-5 while the Vikings drop to 3-11,3-7.

During the opening minutes of the game Cam Lindsay (Coatesville, PA) of the Rams attempted to beat Vikings' goalie Hunter Thomas (Schwenksville, PA) at the net, but Thomas was up to the task and saved the shot.   

Both teams were on the attack, with Salem State getting their first power play of the game. During their five-on-four advantage, the Vikings dominated the power play, with Luke Pepin (Lee, N.H.) coming close to scoring. However, Stenberg of the Rams denied Pepin and the Vikings from taking the lead. Matthew Nuzzolilo (Worcester, Mass.) was on a breakaway and had a one-on-one opportunity with Thomas after a Vikings turnover. Thomas made a crucial save to keep the game scoreless.    

Salem State's Joe Berndt (Chicago, Ill.) came inches to scoring when he fired a shot from twenty-five feet from the right side, but it hit the left post. Salem State had their second power play of the game, but they couldn't capitalize on it. Meanwhile, Lindsay of the Rams had a chance near the left side of center ice, when he sprinted towards the net, leaving two Vikings behind him. He created a one-on-one opportunity resulting in a shootout with Thomas beating him to give Framingham State the lead by a score of 1-0 at the 17:32 mark. 

The Vikingslooked to answer back and even the score after being down 1-0 at the end of the first period. 

Fifty-sixth seconds of the second period, the Rams were awarded their first power play of the night. This happened after Chase Conlon (Anchorage, AK) was penalized for boarding. The Rams quickly capitalized on the opportunity as Walker Smith (Inver Grove Heights, Il) made a brilliant pass that found Brady Rossbach (New Berlin, WI) on the right side of the net. This gave Framingham State an insurance goal, increasing their lead to two at the 1:52 mark. A few minutes later, the Rams were on a power play once again, but this time, the Vikings were able to kill it off.

The Vikings were able to strike back and cut the Rams' lead to one. Meagher passed the puck to the boards, and Salem State's Peyton Hughes (Northbridge. Calif.) was right there at the right side of the ice to pick it off . He shifted direction towards the net and put the puck between Stenberg's legs. The goal happened at 6:44 mark, and Meagher was credited with the assist.  

As the period progressed, the Vikings controlled the Rams zone and were inches away from tying the game. They missed a shot that just went wide. The Vikings were playing much better and attacking the Rams' zone. However, Mitch Wilkie (Calgary, Ab.) went to the box for tripping forty-nine seconds later. The Rams' Johny Baker (Newton, Mass.) then went to the box for too many players in the ice, creating a four on four. Both teams were able to kill off the power play. 

Throughout the first two periods, the Vikings went 0 for 3 on their power plays, while the Rams went 1 for 3. Faceoff wins were nearly identical, with Salem State winning 21 and Framingham State winning 19. Thomas saved 22 of 24 shots, while Stenberg saved 22 of 23 shots. 

During the third period, with just a minute and fifty-two seconds remaining, the Rams were granted their fourth power play of the game. During this power play, Pepin passed the puck to Erik Larsson (South Lake Tahoe), who was positioned on the left side.  Larsson then passed the puck to Zach Dill (Lake Tahoe, Calif.), who was able to capitalize on the opportunity and score a goal, tying the game. Unfortunately for the Rams, there was no one covering Dill, allowing him to swiftly put the puck inside the net.  

Shortly thereafter, the Vikings were awarded their second power play of the game when Pepin was tripped. The Vikings took advantage of this opportunity, and within only seven seconds of the power play, Keagan O'Donoghue (Frisco, TX) scored the third goal of the game, giving Salem State the lead, causing the crowd to erupt in excitement. Larsson and Dill were credited with the assists at the 5:45 mark. Framingham nearly turned the game around when they almost caused a Viking turnover, but the puck hit the crossbar. 

Hughes was seeking his second goal of the game, attempting to increase the Vikings' lead with a wrap-around shot. However, Stenberg, the Rams' goaltender, made an incredible save when Whitman passed the puck to Day. The play happened so quickly that both Viking skaters were in motion when the save was made. Whitman didn't flinch, but Stenberg kept the scoring at bay. 

Later, Hughes was sent to the penalty box, and the Rams were awarded a power play. They wasted no time, and Lindsay beat Thomas, tying the game at 3-3. Kinsky and Caleb Dusek (Dallas, Tx.) were credited with the assists. Late in the period, the Vikings were awarded their fifth power play of the game. 

After regulation ended, with both teams tied at three, they headed into overtime. During overtime, the game was four-on-four, and then shifted to three-on-three. Stenberg was able to beat Larsson to a loose puck on a breakaway, preventing Larsson of a possible game-winner. Later, Vikings were inches away from tying the game when Stapert shot the puck during a two on one breakaway. The puck deflected off Viking goaltender Thomas, and Collazo  didn't hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity, scoring an overtime goal at the 4:26 mark. 

Thomas saved 42 of 46 shots, while Stenberg saved 37 of 40 shots. The Vikings went one for five on their power play, while the Rams went two for six. In terms of faceoffs, Salem State won 37, while Framingham won 32.  

Salem State will be looking to bounce back this Saturday night as they will travel on the road to face MCLA for a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) contest. Puck drops at 7:00 pm.