BUFFALO – The UMass Minutemen blew a two-goal lead in the third period, played without two forwards who were ejected, and still managed to find a way to win the second game of the semi-finals Friday morning on an overtime strike by Marc Del Gaizo.
Del Gaizo scored at 15″18 of extra time to give the Minutemen a 4-3 win over the Pioneers of Denver.
“It’s probably the coolest moment of my life,” Del Gaizo said. “Right now it seems like I’m dreaming, but we’re off to the national championship and that’s all that matters.”
UMass now faces Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs on Saturday for the championship.
Mitchell Chaffee, John Leonard and Bobby Trivigno scored in regulation when the Minutemen had a 3-1 lead.
Filip Lindberg made 37 saves to grab the win.
Colin Staub picked up a goal for the Denver to keep the game within striking distance.
“We thought we were winning the game,” Staub said. “We thought we battled back, we were resilient, and there was no doubt in our minds going into that overtime.”
Cole Guttman struck twice in the final frame to force the extra session for the Pioneers.
Filip Larsson made 23 saves in the Denver loss.
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