Outplayed the first two periods, the Prior Lake boys hockey team still found a way to win.

The Lakers scored two third-period goals en route to a 2-1 South Suburban Conference home win over Burnsville Jan. 28. With the victory, Prior Lake stayed at top the league standings with a 12-1 mark, a half-game ahead of No. 7-ranked Lakeville North (12-2).

Senior Connor Clemons scored the game-winner for the Lakers. He tallied on the power play, his team-leading 24th goal of the year, with 3:18 remaining in the game.

The Lakers (14-6 overall) were outshot 16-2 in the first period and 26-8 after two frames. The Blaze (8-10-2 overall, 6-5-2 in the SSC) nearly took a 2-0 lead into the final period. Senior Eric Otto took a pass right in the slot and knocked it into an open net. But it came a second after time expired.

Prior Lake tied the game 1:37 into the third period on a rebound goal from junior Tanner Burggraaff. Senior Curtis Hansen and ninth-grader Jackson Jutting had the assists.

Senior Drew Scites was stellar in net for the Lakers, finishing with 32 saves. Senior Nick Lee made 14 stops for the Blaze.

Burnsville’s goal came shorthanded off a faceoff in the first period. Senior Colton Kirschbaum took a feed from senior Logan Oslund after senior Brenden Larsen won the faceoff and ripped a quick shot past Scites.

Burnsville had numerous changes in the first two periods to extend its lead, but couldn’t capitalize.

Junior Jack Harris and Ryan Muuray had the assists on Clemons’ game-winner.

Prior Lake is back on the ice Jan. 30 at Eastview in SSC action at 6 p.m. Burnsville is home to Apple Valley in league action at 7 p.m.

Prior Lake also swept the season series over the Blaze, winning 4-1 back on Dec. 17. The Lakers are 6-2 versus Burnsville in the SSC over the last four seasons. However, Burnsville is 3-0 against the Lakers in the playoffs since 2012.

The two teams won meet in the postseason this winter unless it’s at the state tourney. Prior Lake is still in Section 2AA with the likes of No. 2 Eden Prairie (15-4-1), No. 3 Holy Family (16-3) and No. 5 Minnetonka (14-6).

Burnsville was moved to Section 3AA last March where St. Thomas Academy (12-5-4) is one of only two squads in the 10-team field with a winning record. The other is Eastview (9-8-3).

For more photos of the Lakers-Blaze game, click here: http://www.swnewsmedia.com/prior_lake_american/boys-hockey-prior-lake-vs-burnsville/collection_dd26396d-fc43-5465-a336-fffcc8e8b026.html.