By Susannah Nichols/ Northern Michigan Beat WriterThe Northern Michigan Wildcats had plenty of reasons to salute their captain, Phil Fox, this weekend.
With three goals and an assist, Fox was critical in helping the 'Cats secure a 2-2 tie and a 3-2 victory on the road against Bowling Green.
Fox, Scott Macaulay and Justin Florek combined for both goals in Friday's game. Fox and Macaulay helped Florek tally his 13th of the season midway through the first period. At 5:32 of the second, Fox gave the 'Cats a 2-0 lead.
The two teams were close in shots through the first two periods, but Bowling Green took over in the third. They outshot the 'Cats 16-2, in part due to a five-on-three advantage that came after Andrew Cherniwchan was slapped with a major penalty and game misconduct while Kyle Follmer was already in the box. The Falcons scored twice on that penalty, and the 'Cats weren't able to break the tie by the end of regulation.
Both teams managed three shots in overtime, but none found the back of the net. Bowling Green's David Solway had the only goal in the shootout.
Reid Ellingson finished with 32 saves.
The Falcons drew first blood just 1:22 into Saturday's game. Northern responded by outshooting the Falcons 10-7 for the rest of the first, and Fox lit the lamp at 13:10 with an assist from Florek.
The Falcons were served with a high-sticking penalty a minute later, and the 'Cats capitalized: Florek and Macaulay set up Greger Hanson for his fifth goal of the season.
The Falcons tied up the game early in the second period, but Fox struck back quickly, scoring less than two minutes later. Florek and Wade Epps assisted on what would be the game-winner.
The Falcons outshot the 'Cats 21-9 over the last two periods, but Ellingson didn't break and finished with 26 saves for the win.
The 'Cats (14-15-5, 12-11-3-0 CCHA) close out the regular season next weekend, when Michigan comes to Marquette. Game time is 7:30 on both Friday and Saturday.
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