The Lincoln Stars took a 2-1 lead into the final minute of regulation but lost to the Tri-City Storm, 3-2, in overtime on Saturday night at the Ice Box.

Lincoln (14-7-1) went to overtime for the first time this season and also suffered its first loss in 10 instances when heading into the third period in the lead. Tri-City (10-10-0-2) picked up a point for a third consecutive game to match a season-high mark and took the opening matchup up this stretch of three consecutive games between the two teams.

The Storm trailed 2-1 late in regulation and pulled netminder Nicklas Erickson for the extra attacker in an attempt to tie the game up in the final minute of the third period for the second straight night. Tri-City has previously capped off a rally back from a three-goal deficit the night before with a last-minute goal to force overtime against Omaha. Lightning struck twice as they scored the equalizer with 50 seconds to go in regulation and then scored the game-winner 56 seconds into overtime. Graham Gamache whacked home a rebound near-post side to tie it up after a Sebastian Tornqvist shot and then Tornqvist scored the game-winner on a wrist shot from just inside the blue line in overtime.

The Stars scored two goals 40 seconds apart in the first period to take an early 2-0 advantage. Antonio Fernandez cashed in on the power play with a wrist shot with eight seconds remaining on Lincoln's first man-advantage opportunity of the night at the 5:15 mark of the first.. It marked his second goal of the season, both of which have come on the power play and against Tri-City. Fernandez came onto the ice after Boston Buckberger's stick broke earlier on the power play on a one-timer attempt in the slot. Fernandez hopped of the bench to replace Buckberger and jumped onto the scoresheet shortly after.

Wyatt Olson added to the lead moments later when DJ Hart's slapper from the point, near side of the ice hit off Storm defenseman Charlie Kinsman's skate on the edge of the right circle. As everyone else on the ice shifted to the far side, Olson was the first to locate the puck and sent it past Erickson for his second goal of the season.

The Stars appeared to strike even before both quick-strike tallies when a sharp angle shot from Brennan Ali struck the top left corner of the goalpost and popped out of the net. The call one the ice was ruled no goal and shortly after the Storm iced the rebound the officials reviewed the play and stood with their initial decision.

Kieran Cebrian scored a power-play goal in the middle of the second period to put the Storm on the board and begin a stretch where they would score the final three goals of the night. The Storm began the game depleted with just 15 skaters and ended the game with only 14 but were able to snatch two points on the road on Saturday.

Three Stars appeared in their first home game in a Lincoln uniform as Jack Seaverson and Jack Edwards made their respective USHL debuts the night prior against Sioux Falls. Justin Mexico, added from the North Iowa Bulls of the North American Hockey League earlier in the day, made his USHL debut Saturday night and picked up the secondary assist on Olson's goal. Mexico left with a shoulder injury in the second period.

"I was really excited with the way that Justin was playing," Stars head coach Rocky Russo said. "Unfortunately he got injured and was playing really well. I thought Jack Seaverson played well and Jack Edwards, in his first junior hockey experience this weekend, did a really nice job."

Lincoln remains in second place in the Western Conference and two points back of Fargo for first place. The two teams both have 14 wins but Fargo's two additional points come from two more losses than Lincoln decided beyond regulation.

The Stars have a home-and-home series with Tri-City next weekend beginning Friday night at the Ice Box. It's Teddy Bear Toss Night at 7:05 p.m. presented by 104-1 The Blaze. Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to the game and toss them on the ice once the Stars score their first goal. Tickets to the game can be purchased here.

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