Backup goaltender Liam Drennan got the start for the Rams and played well in place of starter Ryan Porter.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Rice

Mike Palmer (13) sends in a backhand a attempt for Grafton.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Rice

Grafton celebrates the Duhamel's goal in the second.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Rice

WORCESTER, Mass. - The Grafton/BVT and Northbridge boys hockey teams couldn't have split their season series more evenly.

The Indians and Rams will finish with a win apiece and seven goals over two games.

Grafton/BVT (10-7-2) avenged a Dec. 28 loss to Northbridge (9-9-1) Saturday night at Buffone Arena. Both game ended in a 4-3 decision, and with each team already having clinched a playoff spot, this game was about pride for the border rivals.

"This has always been a bit of a rivalry. They always play us tough," said Grafton coach Mike Mazzola.

The Rams opened the game with the first goal, but after Grafton's Mike Palmer answered in the final seconds of the first period, the Indians seemed to grab momentum the rest of the way.

"It was a well played game. I was very pleased," said Northbridge coach Greg Ostopowich. "It was up and down both ways. I have no complaints."

Nick Kadra put the Rams on the board first with a breakaway goal 10:57 into the first. Palmer answered with just four seconds left in the first period, turning and firing to beat backup goaltender Liam Drennan, starting in place of Ryan Porter.

Each team grabbed a goal in the second as well, with Alex Lefort putting Northbridge back on top with a power play goal with just under four minutes left in the period.

Ryan Duhamel answered for the Indians, who executed a perfect 3-on-2 situation. Mike Moran broke into the zone, skated left of the net and left the puck for Palmer. His shot was blocked by Drennan, but the Duhamel was trailing the play and banged home the rebound.

The Indians took control in the third period, with two quick goals at 9:56 and then 13:07 into the frame. Ben Symes gave Grafton/BVT its first lead of the game, converting a forced turnover by teammate Patrick Lorden into a 3-2 lead.

Then Duhamel scored his second of the game, beating Drennan on a slapshot off the faceoff for a quick strike and the eventual game-winner.

David Birhanzl closed the gap for Northbridge to 4-3 with 2:10 left in the game, but with an empty net in the final minute, could not tie the game.

Grafton plays its final regular season game next Thursday, Feb. 23 at Buffone Arena against Milford at 2 p.m. Northbridge's last game comes Wednesday, Feb. 22 against Bellingham at 7:10 p.m. at North Stay Youth Forum in Westborough.