Despite a five-goal performance from Denis Kuzminov, St. Mary's Ryken could not hold off a third period charge by St. John's, as the Cadets toppled the Knights, 9-8, at Rockville Ice Arena on Monday afternoon.

Both teams are fighting for the 8th and final MAPHL playoff spot. As a result of the victory, St. John's has 10 points, followed by St. Mary's Ryken with 8 points. The Cadets have two games remaining (against DeMatha on Wednesday and St. Albans on Friday), while the Saints play their final MAPHL regular season game against DeMatha on Friday.

Goals were plentiful as the teams were tied at 3-3 after one period of play. St. John's' Griffin Long had two of his team's goals in the first. Long tallied four goals on the day.

St. Mary's Ryken held a 7-5 lead after two periods, but were outscored, 4-1, in the third. With the score tied at 8, Andrew Skinner scored the game winner for St. John's with 2:46 remaining. Pete Dunn and Peter Bonos assisted on the goal.