DANBURY, CT– The eleventh goal proved to be the difference as the Maine Nordiques edged the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks for a 6-5 win in overtime at Danbury Arena.
Tristan Fasig would open the scoring for the Nordiques four minutes into the first period, converting on a breakaway chance. Later in the first period Maine’s, Luke Antonacci would fire a wrist shot past goaltender Edvard Nordlund from the blue line to make the score 2-0.
Jackson Hughes would pot his first NAHL goal in the second period, burying a rebound off the pads of Maine’s Tyriq Outen. Maine would respond just 19 seconds later, as Aidan Connolly extended the Nordiques’ lead to 3-1.
The Jr. Hat Tricks would come roaring back in the late goings of the second, with Robert Hyde netting a powerplay goal. Moments later, Shane Murphy would net his 11th goal of the season off a juicy rebound in the slot, tying the game at three.
Alex Duncan would give the Jr. Hat Tricks their first lead of the game early in the third period, powering past Maine’s defense and tallying his third goal of the season. Maine’s captain Jack Strauss would snap a 29-game goalless drought to bring the knot the score at four, batting an airborne puck into the back of the net.
Less than a minute after, Danbury’s Mark D’Agostino intercepted an exit pass in the Maine zone and rifled a slapshot past Outen to reclaim the lead for the Jr. Hat Tricks.
With nine minutes left in the third period, Maine’s Patrick Schmiedlin would fly ahead on a breakaway and roof a backhander, bringing the game to even once more. The tie score would hold to overtime.
A netmouth scramble in three-on-three overtime would lead to a loose puck in front, and Schmiedlin scored the game-winner.
The Jr. Hat Tricks and Nordiques will rematch Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Danbury Arena. Tickets are available by clicking here.
Written by Johnny Alexandre