Box l Upated Stats

UTICA, NY  - Host Utica College scored three third period goals, including one on the empty net, to earn a 5-2 victory over Nazareth on Friday night.

Nazareth falls to 8-13-4 overall and 5-9-1 in ECAC West play, while Utica improves to 12-9-4 and 6-6-3 in league action.

Nazareth currently sits in fifth place in the conference standings with Elmira (4-8-2) and Hobart (11-3-0) set to play the final conference game on Saturday.  A Hobart win secures the fifth spot for Nazareth.  The Golden Flyers will be on the road Wednesday for quarterfinal action as either the fifth or sixth seed. 

John Power notched his seventh goal of the season midway through the first period to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.  C.J. Murray and Matt Manzella assisted on the tally.

Utica evened the score with just :35 seconds left in the period on a goal from Easton Powers.

The Pioneers took the lead four minutes into the second period, but a goal from Matt Manzella late in the frame ensured the squads went into the final frame tied at 2-2.  Manzella's goal was assisted by Scott Dawson and Rocky Gruttadauria.

Although Nazareth held a 12-8 shot advantage in the third period, Utica was able to find the back of the net three times, including two in a :39 second span near the midway point.

Nazareth was 0-3 on the power play, while Utica was 0-2.

Ed Zdolshek finished with 26 saves in net.