The Maine Nordiques overcame a late second-period rally by the Philadelphia Rebels to claim a 4-2 victory on Saturday night.
Maine jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, scoring once midway through the first period and again in the second. The Rebels mounted a response in the final 90 seconds of the second period, with Dylan Moran and Abzal Alibek each finding the net to tie the game 2-2 heading into the third. Alex Lunski assisted on both goals, while Luke Janviriya picked up a helper on Alibek’s tally.
The Nordiques regained control in the third period, scoring twice to secure the win. Jack Klevby led Maine offensively with a hat trick, while Austin Borggaard added a goal and two helpers.
Philadelphia goalie Ben Varsa stopped 21 of 25 shots before being relieved by Ilja Nikitins, who turned aside all three shots he faced. Lukas Fursten made 18 saves on 20 shots to earn the win for Maine.
Both teams converted once on three power-play opportunities in a physical contest. Alibek led the Rebels with a goal and an assist, while Moran also scored. Philadelphia falls to 14-17-2-6 on the season, while Maine improves to 24-10-2-1.
The Rebels return to action next weekend on home ice against the Elmira Aviators.