HARTFORD, Conn. — A pivotal game in the Hockey East standings Sunday, just hours before the Super Bowl, saw Connecticut and Maine finish out their home-and-home weekend series with a 2-2 draw.
A back-and-forth opening period saw aggressive play for each team in their offensive zones.
UConn (8-12-6) had the first power play of the afternoon, but was unable to convert as Maine goaltender Sean Romeo denied several scoring opportunities. Maine then potted the game’s first goal as Cam Brown pulled the puck out of a scrum of players and roofed it passed UConn goaltender Rob Nichols.
The Black Bears (10-16-2) upped their lead in the second period, cashing in during the vulnerable minute between penalties. Maine forward Blaine Byron was stopped on a breakaway, but slid the puck back in front to Jake Rutt, who slammed it into an empty net.
UConn fought back, not wanting to lose ground in their battle for home-ice in the Hockey East playoff race.
“Even when we were down 2-0, I said, ‘Hey guys we’re fine. Let’s just stay with Husky hockey, stay with our foundations and play the right way,'” UConn coach Mike Cavanugh said. “Good things will happen.”
Their fight paid off.
Ryan Tyson scored from his knees on a great effort and Trevor Gerling tallied another Husky goal just 34 seconds later.
The emotion of the game carried over into the third period with several scrums defining the final 20 minutes.
“It was a hard-fought game, both teams fought hard,” Maine coach Red Gendron said. “That’s my opening remark.”
Both teams had their chances in the third, but both Romeo and Nichols had the answer.
A furious final minute seemed to see Maine take the lead with just 21 seconds left in the game. However, after review the goal was disallowed due to goaltender interference. The UConn crowd roared as the Huskies escaped defeat.
“I have to be able to trust that the officials made the right call,” Gendron said.
Much of the play took place in the neutral zone in overtime, but nothing was solved.
UConn is back in action Wednesday night as the Huskies host Providence in Hartford. Maine will play host to Notre Dame on both Friday and Saturday.
