Box Score FOND DU LAC, Wis. – In a battle for first place in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association it was the same ole' song as the Bulldogs claimed a 4-1 win at Marian (WI) on Sunday afternoon. The Sabres had a chance to take over first place in the MCHA as they were just one point out in the conference standings coming into the game. Marian lost for just the first time (7-1-3) in the league this season and fell to 8-4-4 overall.
The Bulldogs made a statement early that they are still the team to beat by scoring three first period goals to build a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes. Josh Cousineau returned to the lineup after missing two games and made an immediate impact with his third goal of the season at 4:23 with assists from Zach Graham and Jordan Watts.
It took just 1:33 later for Marian to tie the game at 1-1 as Dmitry Sentsov scored at even strength with an assist from Aaron Leonard. Graham broke the tie and scored the game-winner at 7:14 at even strength for his 10th goal of the season with assists from Cousineau. Senior Chris Stansik increased the lead to two to conclude the period on the power play for his third goal of the season with assists from Shelby Gray and Cousineau.
The Bulldogs put the game away and then proceeded to play tough defense as Gray scored at 7:48 of the second period for his eighth goal of the season from Duston Hebebrand and Justin Basso. Adrian was outshot 34-28 for the game but Marian mustered just seven shots on goal in the third period. Scott Shackell made 33 saves for the Bulldogs to improve to 8-2 in net this season. Adrian finished the game 1-of-4 on the power play while Marian went 0-of-5. The two teams will play again tomorrow (Jan. 23) at 3:00 pm eastern time at the Blueline Ice Center.
