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For stretches, it seemed like the Flying V scoring line was in effect — and that it may have taken a sheet of ice underneath feet to slow down the scoring binge.

The Cougars (2-5-1) wound up on the more desirable end, getting three goals in the last seven minutes to claim a wild, chippy 7-4 victory over the archrival Cardinals (2-6).

If you are a fan of goals, the sides’ annual Kick for a Cure match wasn’t lacking.

For the victors, after a treacherous run of foes to start the season, the end result will work just fine.

“That’s the story of our season pretty much right there,” Lake coach Ivica Medukic said. “We actually finished tonight, but we’ve been giving up some goals that we need to work on. Our backline is still a little shaky, but we’ve been changing it around for our eighth game now, and we haven’t had the same rotation.

“It’s just trying to fill the roles that we have with the personnel, and the kids are working. It’s just been a little tougher than we expected.”

Jacob Tracz tied the match at 4 with a penalty kick in the 69th minute for Mentor before the Cougars found separation late.

Senior Mark Jankowski delivered a big strike at the right post in the 73rd minute to give Lake the lead for good, and Mateo Medancic netted a pair of goals in the 74th and with nine seconds left for the final margin.

“Yeah, it was pretty fun for everyone — for the fans, for us,” said returning firstteam News-Herald all-star Ivan Babic, who had two goals and an assist, of being in a high-scoring match. “But we just had to keep working on the goals to get us ahead.

“It was very pleasant for us up top. We’re connecting together with chemistry for all of us. It’s what we’ve wanted all season long.”

Cardinals coach Chris Payne was pleased with the tenacity his side showed. Mentor got a first-half brace from Zachary Bazdar and a Sam Calic strike in the 32nd to take a brief 3-2 lead.

“At halftime I talked to the boys about it and I said it’s a good battle both ways,” Payne said. “Both teams are up for it, and I said more of the same. In every game, and particularly tonight, you’ve got to match that intensity. You’ve got to have that fight.”