Forward Connor McBride’s power-play goal late in the second period wasn’t enough as St. Olaf defeated St. Thomas 3-2 in the first game of a crucial home-and-home series at Saint Thomas Ice Arena Friday night.

Oles forward Andrew Anderson broke a 2-2 tie with 30 seconds remaining to give St. Thomas just its second home defeat of the season.

The Tommies (7-3-1 overall, 10-8-2 MIAC) will have a chance to redeem themselves tomorrow night in Northfield, Minn.

With the win, the Oles (7-2 overall, 8-8-2 MIAC) move to within a point of first place St. Thomas in the conference standings with five games remaining in the regular season.

The Tommies fought for control in the first period, playing aggressive offense and defense. Both teams traded hits in the neutral zone, setting the tone for the rest of the game. With many created opportunities and 12 shots on goal, the Tommies offense couldn’t capitalize.

Coach Jeff Boeser said despite the loss, he is happy with the team’s performance.

“I’m really proud of my guys, they played really well,” Boeser said. “We never blame, we just have to come back tomorrow and get a win.”

St. Thomas held the zone late in the opening period, but St. Olaf goaltender Henrik Wood stood tall, blocking the Tommie’s 12 shots on goal. Wood finished with 47 saves.

Forward Alex Altenbernd said it stung to lose after playing an aggressive game.

“It hurts obviously being that we outplayed them,” Altenbernd said. “We have to think about it for a little bit and forget about it as soon as possible and be ready for tomorrow.”

Caught out of position in St. Olaf’s zone in the second period, the Tommie defense was unable to stop a long break out pass by Oles forward Dan Cecka to forward Jeff Harris, who slotted home his first goal of the game.

St. Thomas continued to maintain an aggressive forecheck and pressure, creating several opportunities late in the second period. It wasn’t until McBride’s power-play goal, assisted by forwards Riley Horgan and Tyler Gubb that St. Thomas got on the board.

McBride said he is happy with his goal.

“It feels pretty good to help the team out,” McBride said. “We had a couple power plays before that and we couldn’t score so it was nice (when) it finally went in.”

With 20 shots on goal in the second period and only one goal to show, the pressure intensified heading into the third period.

Tommie defender Robbie Vannelli said tonight’s loss will push them to play for the win Saturday.

“We kind of have our backs to the wall now,” Vannelli said. “That’s the nice thing about these series that we play, we have another chance to get them back tomorrow.”

With the third period underway, the Tommies and Oles cranked up the intensity. The Tommies forecheck controlled the zone, creating more opportunities.

Harris had yet another goal in the third period as he slipped a cross ice shot past Tommie goaltender Drew Fielding, who finished with 19 saves. Harris’ goal marked his second of the night, with teammates Cecka and forward Dylan Porter assisting. Cecka finished with two assists.

Altenbernd said the team played well against a talented St. Olaf team.

“They have a good team and a good goalie and play good defense,” Altenbernd said. “If we play the same way the only thing we need to change is capitalizing on our opportunities.”

Intensifying the pressure and looking to equalize the game, Altenbernd came from the left point, tipping the puck through traffic and past Wood. With a 2-2 score on the board, the teams looked to finish the game in its favor.

McBride said the tone of the game was set early on in the first period.

“It was a good start for us, it set the tone for the rest of the game,” McBride said. “Obviously the outcome wasn’t the way we wanted.”

It wasn’t until Ole forward Andrew Anderson, assisted by defender John Avino, charged the Tommie zone, letting a wrist shot go from the left circle, securing the Oles with a 3-2 victory.

Coach Boeser said the team will head into tomorrow’s game the same way it approaches every game.

“We don’t really have to change anything,” Boeser said. “We’re going to go at it tomorrow like we did tonight.”

Sean Crotty can be reached at crot0230@stthomas.edu.