NEWARK, NJ-- The NJIT Highlanders were looking to bounce back after a tough opening night outing last Sunday and they even played a much stronger performance against the Stevens Ducks. But after a back and forth affair, Stevens would come out on top with a 3rd period goal to win 3-2. The Highlanders record on the season now stands at 0-2 and with that same record in home contests as well.

The Ducks scored 1st on the power play with under six minutes remaining in the 1st to take the early lead. But, the Highlanders responded with a power play goal of their own with just over a minute left to go in the period. The goal was scored from Graduate player Branden Kushnir who came over after 4 seasons with the Rutgers Ice Knights. Freshman Brendan Smith, who got his 1st collegiate point, had the lone assist on the goal. The teams would be tied 1-1 after the 1st intermission.

NJIT would take the lead early in the 2nd period as Ryan Downey got his 1st goal of the season. Matthew Torre got the only helper on Downey's goal. Stevens would get another power play late in the 2nd period to tie the game up at 2-2. The score would remain that way after two periods of play.

The 3rd period would be a tight and physical affair as both teams knew that the next goal would probably decide the game. Just past the midway point of the period, the Highlanders had a golden opportunity to take control with the man advantage. But, it would be the Ducks who would get the goal shorthanded to take the lead again at 3-2. NJIT had a few great chances with a mad scramble in front of the net with seconds to go with an extra attacker, but could get the puck in and Stevens held on to win. Sophomore goaltender Nicholas Facchini made 30 saves in his 1st appearance this season.

Goals: Kushnir, Downey

Assists: B. Smith, Torre

SOG: Stevens - 33           NJIT - 24

PP: Stevens - 2/6             NJIT - 1/7

PK: Stevens - 6/7            NJIT - 4/6

NJIT will play Stevens again tonight at 8:30 back at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House, but Stevens will be the home team in that matchup.