SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Close games continue to challenge Union.
The 12th-ranked Dutchmen lost their fourth one-goal decision of the season, falling to 20th-ranked Quinnipiac, 4-3, in ECAC Hockey action from Messa Rink Friday night.
Travis St. Denis’ goal with 52 seconds left in regulation broke a 3-3 tie in a game dominated by special teams. QU finished 3-for-4 on the power play while Union went 2-for-2.
The teams exchanged power play goals in the opening period, as Daniel Ciampini’s deflection of Spencer Foo’s shot gave Union a 1-0 lead at 5:13. Sam Anas then answered with eight seconds left with his team-leading seventh goal of the season. Quinnipiac’s Landon Smith scored the only goal of the middle period, striking at the 3:54 mark.
The contest turned into a see-saw battle in the third period. Union defenseman Jeff Taylor evened the contest at 2-2 with a power play goal at 3:55, before QU reclaimed the lead on Tim Clifton’s power play goal at 9:23.
Max Novak pulled Union back even at 3-3 with his fourth goal of the season scored at the 11:00mark.
Union goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos started his second straight game, and finished with 31 saves. His counterpart, Michael Garteig, made 28 saves, including several from close range.
