Men's Ice Hockey 3/13/2015 6:45:00 PM

Union Loses in Three Overtimes at Quinnipiac

Box Score HAMDEN, Conn. – On the brink of an upset, Union came up short in a 4-3 triple overtime loss to top seed Quinnipiac in the opening game of an ECAC Hockey Quarterfinal series held at High Point Solutions Arena. The Dutchmen face elimination tomorrow night at 7 p.m.

Alex Barron scored the game-winner 6:32 into the third overtime on a shot delected in traffic in front of Union goaltender Colin Stevens. Stevens finished with 46 saves, keeping the Dutchmen alive on numerous occasions in extra time.

The first overtime produced several scoring chances for both sides, but Stevens and counterpart Michael Garteig were up to the task. Stevens turned away Travis St. Denis on a breakaway with 1:18 remaining and Daniel Ciampini nudged a puck on the goal line out of harm's way in the two biggest threats of the period.

In the second overtime, Stevens foiled a two-on-one rush, stopping Matthew Peca on the doorstep.

Union lead 3-1 with 1:26 left in regulation before Sam Anas scored a pair of extra-attacker goals 48 seconds apart to force overtime.

Union claimed a 2-0 lead after the first period as Matt Wilkins figured in both goals. He buried his 12th goal of the season on the power play at 9:42, using a shoulder fake to create an opening for a low wrister. Wilkins then hit a streaking Mike Vecchione in the slot with 4:43 left in the period. Vecchione went from forehand to back hand, tucking a shot inside the left post for his 19th goal of the season.

The 11th-ranked Bobcats cut the lead in half in the second period on a power play goal from Tim Clifton, which came on the heels of killing a 5-on-3 power play attempt by Union. QU had a chance to tie the game with 1:16 left in the period on a penalty shot, but Devon Toews shot wide of the net.

Union regained a two-goal edge in the third when Michael Pontarelli scored on a wrist shot from the right circle. Quinnipiac, however, pulled goaltender Michael Garteig and took advantage of a too many men on the ice call against Union to complete their furious third-period rally.

Notes:
The loss snapped Union's 10-game postseason win streak dating to last year ... the contest marked Union's first postseason overtime since the epic five OT loss to Quinnipiac in 2010.

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Players Mentioned

#17 Daniel Ciampini: F; 5' 11"; Senior

#7 Michael Pontarelli: F; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#30 Colin Stevens: G; 6' 2"; Senior

#21 Mike Vecchione: F; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#19 Matt Wilkins: F; 5' 11"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#17 Daniel Ciampini
: 5' 11"; Senior
: F

#7 Michael Pontarelli
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: F

#30 Colin Stevens
: 6' 2"; Senior
: G

#21 Mike Vecchione
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: F

#19 Matt Wilkins
: 5' 11"; Junior
: F