It was the first time this season the division-leading Sundogs lost a game when leading after one period.

Dusty Collins gave Arizona a 3-2 lead 1:44 into the third period, breaking a 2-2 tie.

But just 47 seconds later, New Mexico’s Vladimir Hartinger launched a slap shot from outside the blue line that tipped of the glove of goalie Bill Zaniboni and into the net.

And only 43 seconds later, with bodies all around the Sundogs’ net, Mitch Stephens pushed the puck past Zamboni to give the Scorpions the lead for good. Hartinger added his  second goal of the game on the empty net in the final minute.

The Sundogs jumped to the early lead in the first period as Jason Visser chipped in a rebound goal at the 2:40 mark. It was a fast-paced first period that featured the teams combining for 28 shots and no penalty minutes.

The Scorpions took the lead on two goals off Konrad Reeder assists. The first, the sixth goal of the year by Chris Robertson, came at the 3:52 mark. In the middle of the second period Reeder hit Dominic Osman on a breakaway for his 16th of the season.

Adam Edinger, who signed with Arizona before the game, tied the game on a three-on-two breakaway late in the period. 

New Mexico goalie Andrew Martin had 35 saves. Zaniboni and reserve Andrew Gallant combinded for 38 and New Mexico outshot the Sundogs 43-38.
 
New Mexico returns home for a pair of weekend games.  The Scorpions play host to Arizona on Friday and entertain the second-place Odessa Jackalopes on Saturday. Both games start at 7:15 p.m.

The Scorpions are offering an “All You Can Eat Weekend Special” where fans can consume all the hot dogs, sodas, nachos and popcorn they want while sitting in their  corner seat for only $26.  For ticket information, call the Scorpions’ office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825) or visit www.ScorpionsHockey.com.

Standings and statistics are available at  http://www.CentralHockeyLeague.com.