OMAHA, NE. - The Lancers took on the Fargo Force on Teddy Bear Toss Night at Liberty First Credit Union Arena coming off a 4-3 shootout win over the Tri-City Storm last night in Kearney. Meanwhile the Fargo Force found themselves on the short end of a 3-2 loss at the hands of the Sioux City Musketeers last night in Sioux City. Coming into tonight's matchup the Lancers were 56-31-3-6 all time against the Fargo Force in the regular season. The Lancers have had an all time goals advantage over the Force in the regular season as well; outscoring Fargo 294-274 all time.
The first period had the ice tilted in Fargo's favor. Omaha would continue to have trouble exiting the defensive zone, something they had trouble with last night against the Storm.
No goals were scored however, as Lancer netminder Michael Hrabal would stop all 14 Fargo first period shots.
The second period had a little more open play from both sides, as both teams would get quality scoring opportunities.
Mid-way through the second it was Lancer forward Vincent Salice who would make the teddy bears fly, with a rebound goal initially shot by forward Drew Montgomery before Salice would clean it up to make it 1-0 Omaha.
Minutes later however, Fargo would respond as defenseman Leo Gruba would take advantage of a rather unenthusiastic backcheck from Omaha, Gruba would jump up into the Fargo offensive rush and bury it from the back door to tie it at one apiece to end the second period.
The third period began, and it was ALL Fargo. Omaha amassed just 7 shot attempts in the entire third period of play.
Fargo started early with a goal coming from defenseman Jacob Napier who wristed one through a screen, beating Hrabal glove side to make it 2-1 Force.
Fargo would continue to press and forecheck throughout, as Omaha had absolutely no answer.
Fargo forward Charlie Russell would cap it all off with an empty netter to propel Fargo to a 3-1 win.
The Lancers fall to 8-11-3-1, while Fargo improves to an impressive 14-5-0-3. The Lancers are back in action tomorrow evening against Fargo at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. Puck drop is at 4:05 CST. You can catch the game on Mixlr or FloSports.
