Paul Dowe netted the game-winner late in the third period, and Niklas Sundberg turned away 33 shots Saturday night as Plattsburgh topped Middlebury 5-2 to earn a sweep of the Panthers in their NCAA quarterfinal series.
Despite outshooting Plattsburgh 78-49 in the series, Middlebury could not find the back of the net, going 0-for-13 on the power play. Plattsburgh advances to the NCAA semifinals next weekend at a site to be determined Sunday.
Plattsburgh opened the scoring just 2:52 into the game as Peter Ollari one-timed a Brandan Hodge pass for a power-play goal from the left faceoff circle. The Cardinals then took a 2-0 lead with some nifty passing as Bryan Murray found Jason Kilcan for a one-timer on the doorstep with 3:59 left in the second period.
The Panthers finally solved Plattsburgh netminder Niklas Sundberg 3:02 into the third period when Scott Goldman scored after poking at the puck in the crease area.
The Panthers had a chance to tie the game just a few minutes later, but Jack Kennedy’s shot on a breakaway hit the top crossbar. Nevertheless, Ryan Constantine tied the game at 13:56 as his shot from the left point deflected into the net off a Plattsburgh defender.
Just 58 seconds later, Dowe gave the Cardinals the eventual winner as he ripped home a slapshot from the top of the right faceoff circle.
Rob Retter and Ryan Wilson added empty-netters to seal the win.
Christian Carlsson made 19 saves in goal for Middlebury.
