On Feb. 7, the No. 5 University of Maine men’s ice hockey team faced off against No. 7 Providence College in an intense, hard-fought battle at Schneider Arena, ultimately finishing in a 3-3 tie. Maine would take the extra conference point, scoring the shootout’s only goal.
The game started with Providence drawing first blood just two and a half minutes into the action, taking an early 1-0 lead. However, Maine quickly regrouped and responded 17 minutes later on a goal by third-year defencemen Frank Djurasevic in tight on the netminder to tie the contest.
The second period saw Providence regain the advantage. Despite Maine’s best efforts, including a solid penalty kill, Providence found the back of the net to take a 2-1 lead into the third period. Maine’s power play struggled, going 0-for-3 on the night, while Providence capitalized on their opportunities, finishing 1-for-3 with the man advantage.
Maine came out strong in the final frame, with fourth-year forward Taylor Makar making an impact once again in his first year with the Black Bears. Midway through the period, Makar scored a clutch short-handed goal on a breakaway to tie the game at 2-2.
Makar’s goal, his 12th of the season, also set a new career high for him. Not only did Makar’s goal tie the game, but it extended his current four-game goal-scoring streak, further solidifying his place as one of Maine’s most dynamic players.
However, Providence would respond quickly, regaining the lead just minutes after Makar’s goal, pushing the score to 3-2.
With less than five minutes remaining, the Black Bears faced a critical moment in the game. Pulling their goaltender for the extra attacker, Maine managed to even the score once again. Makar, who has found himself as the hero time after time this season, scored his second goal of the game to tie it up at 3-3 with just under two minutes remaining to force overtime. This goal marked his fifth career two-goal game, and it was his third such performance this season.
In the overtime period, both teams battled hard but were unable to find the back of the net. With the score still tied, the game went to a shootout. There, second-year goaltender Albin Boija, who had made 29 saves throughout regulation and overtime, continued his stellar play. Boija stopped all four Providence shooters he faced.
With Friday’s performance, Boija moved to 16-5-4 on the season, earning another standout performance on the road, as he chases the Mike Richter trophy for national goaltender of the year.
Maine had a final opportunity to win in the shootout, and second-year forward Sully Scholle took full advantage. Scholle converted his shootout attempt, securing the extra league point for the Black Bears, who walked away just four points behind Boston College for the conference lead.
The game had a number of key contributors for Maine. Aside from Makar’s outstanding offensive performance, Djurasevic scored his sixth goal of the season, and fourth-year defencemen David Breazeale led the way defensively, blocking a game-high five shots.
Despite the official tie, Maine left the ice feeling victorious, having battled back from deficits and showed composure when it mattered most. The strong performances from Makar and Boija were key factors in securing a valuable point on the road against a top-ranked team, while Providence will be left to regroup after a disappointing Friday finish.
