MINNEAPOLIS – Sophomore Nick LaRue scored a power play goal just into the third period to pull the MSOE hockey team within 2-1, but it was not enough as No. 14 Augsburg prevailed 3-1 Friday evening at Ed Saugestad Rink.

The Raiders (2-12) pulled within a goal in the final period, but the Auggies (8-2-1) added an empty net goal in the final minute to hold off the comeback.

Facing a 2-0 deficit, LaRue found the back of the net on a power play at 1:50 of the third period. He was assisted by freshman Gage Christianson and senior Michael Thompson. It was the second of 12 MSOE shots in the period, as it fought for the equalizer.

Head coach Mark Ostapina pulled sophomore goalie Nick Kohn from goal with 57 seconds remaining for the extra skater, but Carl Krieger found the empty net to make it 3-1 with 29 seconds remaining.

Kohn finished with 26 saves for the Raiders. Matthew Bartels made 20 stops for the Augies.

The home team jumped out ahead in the opening period, taking a 1-0 lead 3:27 into the game on a goal by Ben McClellan. It then built its lead with seven seconds remaining on a Rory Vesel power play goal. The Augies outshot the Red and White 16-0 in the period.

The play evened out in the second half, as it was scoreless with a closer 14-9 shot edge in favor of the home team.

MSOE returns to action Saturday, traveling to Winona, Minn., to take on St. Mary's.

Photo courtesy of Lynda Kelley, d3photography.com.