If only the Plattsburgh State men's hockey team could play out of conference every game this season.
The Cardinals scored two power-plays goals in the first period Tuesday night and held on for a 2-1 win over Middlebury College at the Stafford Ice Arena.
Plattsburgh State (14-6-1 overall) closed out the non-conference portion of its schedule with an 8-0-1 record.
"This was a good win for us — a much-needed win," said Plattsburgh State head coach Bob Emery.
"We finished 8-0-1 outside the conference and I'm happy with the effort. But, I've been happy with the team's effort all season for the most part."
The Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the first period on power-play goals by Ryan Corry and Vick Schlueter. Corry sent a wrist shot inside the near post at 2:08 and Schlueter banged in a rebound at 11:51.
The Panthers (8-6-3), who hit the post earlier in the period, cut their deficit in half at 14:48 when Charlie Strauss tallied a power-play goal on a wrap-around.
That, however, would prove to be the end of the scoring.
Plattsburgh State played well in the second, outshooting Middlebury by a 14-5 count and hitting the post on one occasion.
"Once again, our second period was our best," said Emery. "We played real well in the second.
"But, I can't believe we didn't have anything to show for it on the scoreboard. (Kyle) Kudroch hit the post one time on a two-on-one."
The Panthers then outshot the Cardinals, 12-4, in the third, but couldn't get the equalizer.
"We were able to keep their shots to the outside in the third," said Emery. "I felt we played smart hockey with the lead.
"We had some guys out of the line-up tonight, but some others stepped up for us."
Middlebury finished with a 28-27 shot advantage, with both goaltenders playing well. Josh Leis made 27 saves for the Cardinals and Nick BonDurant 25 for the Panthers.
"We still need to start finding the back of the net more," said Emery. "We haven't had a five-on-five goal in three games and need to do something about that.
"But, we found a way to win tonight."
The Cardinals, who are 6-6 in the State University of New York Athletic Conference, return to conference play on Saturday at Morrisville, looking to avenge an earlier home loss to the Mustangs. Plattsburgh State has four SUNYAC games left while attempting to move up in the standings.
