LUVERNE — The Luverne Cardinals needed a cardiac third-period comeback to eclipse the upset-minded Fairmont Area Cardinals, 2-1, during Big South Conference boys hockey action Tuesday night at Blue Mound Ice Arena in Luverne.

Colby Crabtree, who generated a pair of goals during Luverne’s 8-0 triumph over Fairmont Area on Jan. 7 at Martin County Arena in Fairmont, delivered Luverne’s go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal 7:39 into the final 17-minute segment. Jacob Von Tersch delivered the assist to Crabtree during even-strength ice action.

Despite being outshot by Luverne by a combined 26-14 margin during the first two periods, Fairmont Area clung to a narrow 1-0 lead on the strength of freshman goaltender Carsen Musser’s shot-deflecting skills. Musser turned in another yeoman’s performance between the pipes, amassing a game-best 40 saves as Luverne bested Fairmont Area in the shots-on-goal statistical category, 42-21, on the contest.

Carson Kuhl provided Fairmont Area’s early 1-0 lead that held up through two full periods. Kuhl converted a double-assist from Eli Anderson and Brycen Lutterman into the game’s first goal 9:02 into the opening segment.

Both Musser and Luverne netminder Colton Schutz — who recorded 20 saves on the night — shut out their opposing offenses during the second period before Mason Steensma produced the equalizer 6:27 into the third period. Steensma lit the lamp on an unassisted goal to knot the score at 1-all.

Fairmont Area (4-18) plays host to Waseca at 7 p.m. Thursday night at Martin County Arena in Fairmont in another Big South Conference game.

Luverne (15-8) hits the road to Red Baron Arena in Marshall on Friday night for a 7 p.m. Big South Conference clash with the hometown Tigers.