APPLETON, Wis. -- The Lawrence University hockey team posted its eighth shutout of the season as the Vikings beat Concordia University of Wisconsin 4-0 in the opening game of a Midwest College Hockey Association quarterfinal playoff series Friday night at the Appleton Family Ice Center.
Lawrence (15-10-1) leads the two-game series 1-0 and a win or tie against the Falcons (4-21-1) Saturday afternoon would advance the Vikings to the Harris Cup semifinals next weekend at Adrian College.
Sophomore goaltender Evan Johnson made 17 saves to collect his seventh shutout of the season, which leads the nation.
After a scoreless first period, both teams were a man down when Matt Hughes scored off a pass from Jameson Raymond at 7:57 to give Lawrence a 1-0 lead. The Vikings then had a two-man advantage when Josh DeSmit scored at 11:02 to give Lawrence a 2-0 edge.
The Vikings then pulled away early in the third period. Nick Jennette picked up his 12th goal of the season at 2:54 of the third to give Lawrence a 3-0 lead. Aaron LaFave then got his first goal of the season at 5:48 and Lawrence led 4-0.
Eric Everson made 33 saves and took the loss.