Erie, Pa. - Robert Morris University men's hockey rallied late to force overtime but ultimately fell short of the win as Mercyhurst claimed the 3-2 victory. Saturday's contest marked the 12th time in 29 meetings between the teams that the game has gone to overtime.

The Colonials outplayed the Lakers throughout the game, outshooting Mercyhurst 39-26, including a 15-6 advantage in the first period. 

The scoring didn't start until the second period though. Mercyhurst struck first, just after the Colonials successfully killed a penalty. Patrick Piacentini scored 1:29 into the second to put the Lakers in front.

Less than five minutes later, Luke Lynch barreled through the slot and powered the puck past Brandon Wildung for his team-high 14th goal of the season, tying the game at 1-1. Matthew Graham and Spencer Dorowicz earned assists on the goal.

The Lakers scored early in the third period as well, pulling ahead 2-1 on a Kane Elliott goal. 

Mercyhurst worked to push the lead ahead but was met by a solid RMU penalty kill, backed by the play of senior goaltender Andrew Pikul, making his ninth career start. Pikul made four saves during a two-minute span during a Lakers power play. 

The Colonials continued to bring the pressure in the third, racking up 12 shots in the period, finally putting one past Wildung with an extra attacker and 1:12 left in regulation. Robert Powers blasted a shot from the blue line that rocketed past Wildung to send the game to overtime. Timmy Moore earned the assist on the game-tying tally.

With 15 seconds left in overtime, Mercyhurst's Les Lancaster ripped a shot from the right side near the blue line that deflected off Joshua Lammon's stick and into the goal. Officials reviewed the play to look for a high stick, but the call on the ice stood as a good goal and the Lakers claimed the win.

Robert Morris blocked 12 shots in the game. Sophomore defenseman Alex Robert led the way with a trio of blocks, while senior Elias Ghantous made two. Pikul finished the night with 23 saves.

The Colonials have 26 points and are tied for sixth in the Atlantic Hockey standings with Army West Point, one point back of RIT and Air Force, which each have 27. Mercyhurst clinched home ice and a first round bye and now sit in first place with 32 points. Canisius is second with 30, while Holy Cross is third with 28. 

Robert Morris (13-17-2, 12-12-2 AHC) returns home for its final two games, facing off against Air Force on Friday and Saturday night, both 7:05 p.m. starts at Colonials Arena. The Colonials will honor their senior class on Saturday night with a pregame ceremony.


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