Clarkson 4, Niagara 3 (OT)

Clarkson survived a wild game and kept its unbeaten streak in games it leads after two periods alive on Friday night.

The Golden Knights defeated Niagara 4-3 in overtime before a crowd of 3,135 in a nonconference game at Cheel Arena.

Matt Beca scored with 43.4 seconds left in overtime to give Clarkson the win. The win also extended Clarkson's streak with two-period leads to 56 games (52-0-4).

Here are my three stars:

No. 3. Niagara's Sam Goodwin: game-tying goal in third period on a breakaway.

No. 2. Clarkson's Bryan Rufenach: one goal and one assists, eight shots on goal, plus-two.

No. 1. Clarkson's Matt Beca: game-winning goal in overtime, four total shots.

Leftover Quotes

Niagara coach Dave Burkholder"It had to be an entertaining game from a fan's perspective."

Clarkson coach George Roll"We didn't play our A-game, but we played well enough to win."

Clarkson's Tim Marks"When everyone got home (from Michigan) Sunday Night, I could tell everyone was down a little bit. After tonight's game it kind of feels like a couple years ago. Everyone's fired up to play. Everyone can't wait to skate tomorrow."

Bonus Note

I mentioned in the game preview that Clarkson struggled on faceoffs last weekend. Tonight the Golden Knights were 42-32. Marks led the way, going 14-5. Louke Oakley went 14-9.

Marks explained after the game why he has improved: "I know last year I struggled on faceoffs. This summer I worked on faceoffs a lot. When you are taking faceoffs against Craig Conroy every day you are going to get a little better. We'd do a best of five and he'd usually win four. I'd get the odd one in there if the puck bounced the wrong way. It helps me a lot. The pointers he gives me, like to get my hand a little lower and use my power. Most centers are smaller. If I get down and use my center of gravity, it's a little easier to get the puck."