KITTANNING - Central Catholic coach Kevin Zielmanski didn't think Butler's first-period power play goal should have counted.

In the second period, the Vikings made sure it didn't matter.

Central Catholic (12-9-1) scored five second-period goals and took 20 shots on net en route to a 10-2 varsity hockey victory over the Golden Tornado Wednesday night at Belmont Arena.

The loss spoiled Butler's Senior Night.

The onslaught came on the heels of a power play goal by Butler's Jon Pakutz with 44 seconds left in the first period. Pakutz's fourth goal of the year - on a slap-shot from the right point - pulled the Tornado within 3-2.

"That goal shouldn't have counted because it was a delayed penalty situation and the play should have been whistled down," Zielmanski said.

Butler (6-17) failed to capitalize on the late-period goal and dropped its fourth straight game.

"We beat ourselves," Butler coach Leo Cancilla said. "We didn't play our brand of hockey. We were too concerned with how we looked.

"Central has an excellent skating team. They have a fast team and we had to dump the puck in, chase it and forecheck like crazy. We didn't do that," he added.

Instead, they coughed up two goals within 24 seconds of each other in the first two minutes of the second period. Doug Dietrich scored his second goal of the year at 1:08 before John Buczkowski beat goaltender Kris Rhodaberger seconds later for a 5-2 lead.

"I told our guys after the first period that Butler was trying to be physical with us," Zielmanski said. "We had to keep moving the puck and making quick passes."

Cancilla said the Vikings' sixth goal was the one that ultimately sunk the Tornado.

Butler had a power play, but surrendered a breakaway the other way. Rhodaberger made two sprawling saves before a shot by Andrew Hanno eluded him for a shorthanded goal.

"That wasn't our goaltender's fault," Cancilla said. "There's no way they should get off three successive shots being down a man. We can't let that happen. We had a chance to pull within two and we fell behind by four.

"We gave up way too many 2-on-1 breaks tonight. Do that against a fast-skating team and you're not going to win unless your goalie stands on his head," he added.

Wednesday's loss dampened Butler's playoff hopes. The Tornado must win its final regular season game next Wednesday vs. Plum at Belmont Arena and hope Norwin and Baldwin lose their remaining games.

Butler will have to play Plum without leading scorer Greg Rogerson, who received a game misconduct for taking five penalties for at least 15 total minutes.

A game misconduct in the PIHL means an automatic suspension for the next game.

"It's going to be tough," Cancilla admitted. "You just can't replace your leading scorer. We have to come together and play a solid game to stay alive."

Wednesday's game was filled with penalties on both sides. Central scored three power play goals on six opportunities. The Tornado connected on just one of five opportunities. There were a handful of coincidental minor penalties dished out as well.

Butler's first goal was an unassisted shorthanded tally by Bryan Rodgers in the first period. It was his fourth goal of the season.

Charles Burke and Bryan Dietz scored two goals each for Central. Chris Urso, the Vikings' leading scorer this season with 30 points, had three assists.

Central had a 36-16 advantage in shots on goal.

Butler seniors Rogerson, Spencer Crouse, Mike Guentner, David Schultz, Pakutz, Rob Ramirez, John Brock and Tyler Flanigan were honored during pre-game ceremonies.