Box Score Box Score

MANKATO, Minn. - Minnesota State rallied from a two-goal deficit, scoring twice in the last 10 minutes, in earning a 3-3 overtime tie with visiting RPI, 3-3, Friday.

The Mavericks struck first on an early powerplay goal from freshman forward Teddy Blueger when he converted on a rebound with the Mavericks on the power play at 16:35 of the opening frame for his first career marker. Less than four minutes later RPI tied it up with a powerplay goal of its own  Nick Bailen tallied on a scrappy play in front of the net where the puck appeared to have deflected off a MSU defenseman. Then at 16:17, freshman forward Dylan Margonari had a chance to put MSU on top with a penalty shot after he stole a pass near center ice and was tripped from behind on the breakaway. Margonaris penalty shot attempt was denied for RPI netminder Scott Diebold.

The second period was a defensive battle with great goaltending by both sides. RPI took the 2-1 lead late in the period at 16:36 after Matt Neal converted on a pass from behind the net by Brock Higgs.

In the third period, RPI increased its lead on a goal by Ryan Haggerty at 7:19. The Mavericks responded at 9:12 after Johnny McInnis found the back of the net after collecting a rebound off a shot from the point by Zach Palmquist bounced off of Brett Knowles. After continuing to battle back MSU forced overtime with 3:04 remaining in regulation, tying it at 3-3 after freshman forward Bryce Gervais stuck the puck right between the legs of Diebold off a great centering pass from sophomore centerman Matt Leitner.

Neither team was able to take advantage in overtime as the game ended in a 3-3 tie. 

Now 1-0-2 overall on the season, the Mavericks were outshot 26-23 in the game. MSU went one-for-seven on the power play, while the Engineers were one-for-six and the game was played in front of 3.266 fans at Vntererizon Wireless Ce

MSU and RPI close out the two-game series Saturday night with a 7:07 p.m. face-off scheduled.