WINONA, Minn. - The Saint Mary's men's hockey team (8-8-1) hosted Saint John's (7-10) for their final game of the weekend on Saturday night, which ended in a lopsided result. The Cardinals shut out the Johnnies in the first period but gave up six goals in the remaining periods.

The first period between the Cardinals and Saint John's saw both teams actively attempting to break the deadlock, with the Cardinals taking numerous shots on goal. Neither team could find their rhythm as they headed into the second period.

In the second period, Saint John's took an early lead, scoring at 16:18, followed by another goal two minutes later at 14:15. Despite strong defensive efforts, including saves by goalie AJ Ruskowski and blocks by Cole Mickel and Connor Abric, the Cardinals faced challenges as the period progressed. 

A power-play goal occurred for the Johnnies at 09:58 and a final goal at 00:16 extended Saint John's lead to 4-0 by the end of the period.

The Cardinals struggled early and couldn't capitalize on several chances in the third period to close the gap on the Johnnies.

The Cardinals allowed two more goals in the third period, resulting in a home loss to the Johnnies and a split in the conference series.

The Cardinals will shake off tonight's game and shift their focus to their next matchup, heading to Duluth to face the College of Saint Scholastica on Friday, January 31, at 7 p.m.