Men’s Hockey: Bowers plays hero, wins it in OT as Terriers top Wildcats

DURHAM- The Terriers traveled up to New Hampshire for a clash with UNH Saturday night in Hockey East play. Coming out on top in an extra frame by a final score of 3-2. Junior goaltender Jake Oettinger was sharp in the overtime period and stopped 17 of the 19 shots he faced on the night.

The power play told the story in the first period for both sides as the Terriers and the Wildcats scored while on the man-advantage. Junior defenseman Chad Krys broke open the scoring at the 5:55 mark of the opening frame. The goal was Krys’ second of the season and was assisted by Dante Fabbro and Joel Farabee.

Some two minutes later a tripping call on the freshmen Farabee gave the Wildcats their first try on the power play. UNH senior and assistant captain Ara Nazarian was the recipient of the Wildcats powerplay goal.

The Terriers responded at the 10:35 mark while on the power play. This time, Shane Bowers scored his second goal of the season. Bowers’ goal was assisted Farabee (2nd of the night) and Bobo Carpenter.

Both of the Terriers power play goals came with the same unit on the ice. The combination of Krys, Carpenter, Bowers, Fabbro, and Farabee were Terriers head coach Albie O’Connell’s unit of choice and it paid off in spades for the first year bench boss.

“[Special Teams] was a major factor. Our power play looks like we’ve got a little more confidence on it, we’re shooting it a little bit more.” said O’Connell postgame.

The second period saw a much slower pace as both teams settled into a more disciplined game. Late in the middle frame the Wildcats tied the game at two by way of freshman Jackson Pierson. The goal was his third of the season which put him in a tie for the team lead in goals.

It was “win the period, win the game” at the Whittemore Center as the puck dropped in the third period. And these teams that played neck and neck all night long needed extra time to find a winner.

In the overtime period it was Shane Bowers who played hero. Scoring an unassisted shorthanded goal 3:06 into the 5 minute overtime frame. The game-winner was Bowers’ second of the night and third of the season.

The Terriers are back in action next weekend when they host Maine in a two-game weekend series at Agganis Arena.