Right down to the final tick, John Carroll gave itself a chance.

But once the clock read zero, the Blue Streaks had to concede victory.

For the first time in the series history, Capital came into Don Shula Stadium and came away with a victory. On this Saturday afternoon, it was by a 9-8 score.

Capital had led at one juncture 7-3, but beginning midway through the third period, John Carroll began the climb back.

Goals by Skyler Blake and Colin Corcoran sliced the Capital lead to two at 7-5, but Ed Carroll grabbed one just before the end of the period to take a three-goal advantage into the fourth.

Brendan Whitty would score twice over the first eight minutes of the fourth to bring JCU within a single goal at 8-7.

Luke Wyatt would push the Crusaders ahead 9-7 with 2:45 to play, only to have Blake answer back at the 1:33 mark to make the score 9-8.

The Blue Streaks would have two opportunities to tie in the final 70 seconds. First, it was Logan Collins who would be denied. Capital attempted to run out the clock, but Clayton Karam caused a turnover with under 30 seconds to play, giving JCU one last gasp. But Bennett Gorman was stopped on a great save by T.J. Johnson with four seconds left.

Capital, which won its 10th consecutive game, held a slight edge in shots (34-31) and ground balls (18-16), while the Blue & Gold won 11 of the 20 faceoffs.

JP Chinelly made six saves in relief of starter Jacob Betz. 

The Blue Streaks are now 5-6 on the season overall and 1-3 in OAC action.