In one of the biggest Hockey East playoff upsets in years, Vermont came from behind to top New Hampshire in its own barn Sunday night as Jay Anctil's overtime goal eliminated the top-seeded Wildcats and sent the Catamounts on to the Hockey East semis with a 1-0 win.
After taking a beating from UNH in a 7-4 loss in Game 1, eighth-seeded Vermont refused to give up during Game 2 of its matchup with New Hampshire on Saturday night at the Whittemore Center. Sunday night was no different.
The Catamounts started Game 3 with the same frenetic pace as they did in the previous night's victory. Though it was a fast-paced, physical contest through the first 20 minutes, neither side was able to get on the board. UVM's offense was sharp and tested the UNH defense and netminder Brian Foster, outshooting the Wildcats 11-8.
Vermont continued to dominate throughout the second, but Foster brought his "A" game. The Catamounts blasted 14 shots to a mere five for UNH, but Foster stood tall.
The Wildcats goalie continued to do everything imaginable to keep the puck out of the net and stood on his head throughout the third period as well. The Catamounts continued to control the game offensively, though, putting up 16 shots to the Wildcats' nine.
But 15:52 into the extra period, Anctil scored the biggest goal of his career to send the Catamounts bench onto the ice in a heap. With the dramatic victory, UVM will advance to the Hockey East semis where it will face Boston College next Friday at TD Garden.
