Men's Ice Hockey's Rally Falls Short in 4-3 Loss at Suffolk

BOSTON, MASS. – The Framingham State men's ice hockey team mounted a furious third-period comeback but ultimately fell 4-3 to Suffolk on Tuesday evening at East Boston Arena.

THE BASICS:

• Score: Suffolk 4, Framingham State 3
• Records: Framingham State (5-16-0), Suffolk (13-7-1)
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Suffolk controlled the opening 40 minutes, taking a 2-0 lead into the third period. Aidan O'Connell opened the scoring at 10:50 of the first period with an even-strength tally, assisted by Nolan Leonard and Josh Milso. Ralph Berry doubled the lead at 19:07, finishing a play set up by Owen Hodgett and O'Connell.
• The third period was a different story. Framingham State came out firing, as Grig Kaagan cut the deficit to 2-1 just 40 seconds into the frame, scoring off assists from Jerry Duckett and Devin Shepherd. Suffolk answered quickly, however, with Milso restoring the two-goal cushion at 3:40 (assists: Berry, Leonard), and O'Connell netting a shorthanded goal at 8:49 to push the lead to 4-1.
• The Rams refused to quit. Scott Bugarin scored a power-play goal just 12 seconds after O'Connell's shorthanded tally, at 9:01, assisted by Jake Barcelou and Brent Scott. Bugarin struck again at 16:54 with an even-strength goal, assisted by Robert Bernier, to pull Framingham State within 4-3. Despite a late timeout and heavy pressure, the Rams could not find the equalizer.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Suffolk held a commanding 45-21 advantage in shots on goal, including a 20-11 edge in the third period.
• Framingham State goaltender Isak Saldjoughi was outstanding in net, stopping 41 of 45 shots in the loss.
• Suffolk's Max Banoun made 18 saves for the win.
• O'Connell led all skaters with three points (2G, 1A), while Leonard added three assists for Suffolk.
• Bugarin paced Framingham State with two goals, and Barcelou, Bernier, Duckett, Shepherd, and Scott each contributed an assist.
• Framingham State went 1-for-3 on the power play; Suffolk was 0-for-4.
• Suffolk dominated the faceoff circle, winning 43 of 62 draws (69.4%).
• The Rams were whistled for seven penalties totaling 36 minutes, including a pair of game misconducts.

UP NEXT:

Framingham State returns home for Senior Night on Thursday, February 12 at Loring Arena. Puck drop against Worcester State is set for 7:40 PM.