Eric Johansson wasn't with the Augusta Lynx the last time they played the Louisiana IceGators.
But his new teammates filled him in on the post-game skate the Lynx had to suffer through after they got shut out at Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center.
"There was some incentive there, maybe, to stick it to them," Johansson said.
For most of the first two periods Sunday, the Lynx did just that. And the six goals the Lynx scored in the first 40 minutes were enough to overcome a third-period meltdown and beat the IceGators, 6-4.
Augusta took a 6-2 lead into the third period, but after scoring three goals in each of the first two periods, the Lynx couldn't find the net in the third. The IceGators outshot them 16-5 and out-scored them 2-0 in the final period.
"I felt like (we) let up a lot in the third period," said Augusta coach Stan Drulia, who called the outcome a "disappointing win."
"I think we got away with one there," added forward Todd Bennett, who also thought the win was lackluster.
It didn't sound as if the announced 2,427 fans that came out to watch hockey instead of the NFL playoffs, were disappointed. After suffering through a 2-7-2 start at home, the Lynx are 3-0-1 at home since Christmas.
The Lynx treated their fans to their highest-scoring game of the season, which included a season-best five power play goals. The Lynx scored five of the nine times they had a man advantage, with their only other goal coming from Matt Dzieduszycki on a 4-on-4 situation in the first period.
"Our power play unit is really on fire right now," Bennett said.
He should know.
Bennett scored two power play goals and assisted on Ken Magowan's to bring Bennett one goal behind Magowan's team-leading 12 goals. A self-described streaky player, Bennett has scored seven goals and 15 points in his past eight games and five power-play goals in his past five games.
"Let's hope it doesn't end," Bennett said of his streak.
Johansson added to his own streak with a goal and a pair of assists Sunday. Since joining the Lynx from the AHL's Albany River Rats on Friday, Johansson has scored three goals and assisted on three others. It's taken no time for the 23-year-old to adjust.
"Wherever you go," he said, "hockey is hockey."
The hockey in Augusta has seen a dramatic improvement since Christmas. The Lynx are 4-1-2, taking 10 of a possible 14 points. Sunday's win puts the Lynx (12-16-4) just four wins under .500 for the season. With 28 points, Augusta sits just three points behind Louisiana (14-16-3, 31 points), which is tied for South Carolina (14-14, 31 points) for ninth place - one spot out of the playoffs.
"We're right where we want to be in our point standings since the Christmas break," Drulia said. "We're accomplishing our small goals."
Game Report
STAR OF THE GAME: Lynx forward Todd Bennett scored two power-play goals and added an assist on a third to give him seven goals and 15 points in his past eight games.
TURNING POINT: The Lynx jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first 13 minutes.
PLUS: The Lynx turned in their highest goal total of the season and five of their six goals came on the power play.
MINUS: The Lynx gave up two goals and managed just five shots in a lackluster third period.
NEXT GAME: 7:05 p.m., Tuesday, Pee Dee at Lynx
Reach Kristy Shonka at (706) 823-3216 or kristy.shonka@augustachronicle.com.
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