Men's ACHA DII ice hockey opened up a 4-0 lead before fending off a late rally in the third period in a 4-3 victory over Florida Gulf Coast in Lindenwood Showcase action Saturday afternoon at the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The Lions were outshot by an opponent for the first time this season as the Eagles had 37 to 34 advantage.

Lindenwood scored early in the opening period to take a 1-0 lead. Gavin Delfosse and Zach Maupin set up Ethan Christofferson at the 6:02 mark.

FGCU had a golden opportunity to tie the game early in the second when two Lions were sent to the penalty box on tripping and unsportsmanlike conduct calls, but Lindenwood successfully defended the five-on-three power play to maintain the one goal lead. The Lions added to their margin at 5:49 of the second when Austin Meers lit the lamp on a play set up by Nick Jones and Jack Louko. Later in the period, Jones fed Finnigan Greeley at 12:38 to build a 3-0 advantage. With time running down in the middle frame, Lindenwood managed another score with just 19 seconds remaining. Louko sounded the horn with help from Delfosse and Brock Hart.

With a 4-0 lead heading into the second intermission, the Lions looked to be in control of the outcome, but Florida Gulf Coast had other ideas. The tide started to turn midway through the third when Thomas Zebley was awarded a penalty shot. He beat Lindenwood netminder Cole Wheaton to get the Eagles on the board.

FGCU cut into the deficit again late in the third on an even-strength play at the 18:40 mark. Trailing 4-2 with 70 seconds remaining in regulation, the Eagles pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker and it paid off moments later with their third tally at 19:21. After the ensuing faceoff, it took Florida Gulf Coast 21 seconds to gain control of the puck and get their goalie off the ice again, but Lindenwood managed to kill off the final 18 seconds to preserve the 4-3 victory.

Wheaton earned the win in goal with 34 saves on 37 shots, including the Eagles penalty shot. Lindenwood went scoreless on four power plays while holding the Eagles scoreless on three man-advantage chances.

The Lions wrap up their games at the Lindenwood Showcase Sunday afternoon against Liberty University. The puck drops at 1 p.m. at the Centene Community Ice Center.