A late third period tally gave the Lions a one goal lead that helped them edge Florida Gulf Coast 5-3 Friday night at the Hertz Arena in Fort Myers, Florida.

In a back-and-forth affair where both teams traded scores into the final frame, Carter Walby struck first for Lindenwood at 8:02 on a play set up by Brett Bell and Brayden Wilson, his first collegiate assist. The Lions carried that 1-0 lead through the rest of the opening period and into the second until the Eagles tied it at the 6:23 mark, but Lindenwood answered just over three minutes later. Gage Vierzba and Chase McClellan created an opportunity for Gabe Vijuk who put the puck in the back of the net at 9:35 for a 2-1 advantage which held up into the second intermission, setting up a wild final 20-minutes.

After the Lions were called for cross-checking at 5:29 of the third, it only took Florida Gulf Coast nine seconds to get the power play goal and a 2-2 tie. Holding true to form, Lindenwood retook the lead just over five minutes later, on the second of the game from Walby, assisted by Brock Hart and Bell at 10:59. Before the Lions could even finish their celebration, FGCU tied it again at 11:17.

With time running down in regulation, whoever could get the next score would have momentum and position to get the victory. That next goal came off the blade of McClellan at 13:06. Austin Meers and Jones earned the assists and Lindenwood held a 4-3 advantage. The Lions had a chance to get some insurance when the Eagles were called for slashing at 13:40, but that power play went by the boards, leaving Lindenwood with 4:20 and still just a one-goal lead.

FGCU pressed to get an equalizer, but the Lions were up to the task of defending. The Eagles ultimately pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker, but the Lindenwood defense still held and with five seconds remaining, Hart stole the puck and drilled an empty netter to seal the win.

The Lions outshot the Eagles 46 to 32 and Cole Wheaton stopped 29 of the 32 pucks he saw to earn the victory in goal. Lindenwood went on two power plays but held FGCU to one goal on three man-advantage chances.

The Lions extended their winning streak to begin the season to 15 straight games. They have now won 22 straight dating back to the end of last season. They will put both of those accomplishments on the line on Saturday against the same Eagles squad. The puck drops at 6 p.m. EST at Hertz Arena in Fort Myers.