Error during command authentication.
Error - unable to initiate communication with LISTSERV (errno=111). The server is probably not started.
In the longest NCAA tournament game in history, Maine advances to the championship game with a 4-3 win over Michigan. Michigan jumped out to an early 1-0 lead just 1:05 into the game on a Kevin Hilton goal. They increased the lead to 2-0 just 3 minutes later. It appeared that Michigan really had the edge over the Black Bears. However, towards the end of the first period, Maine got on the board, and really gained the momentum going into intermission. The Black Bears tied the game early in the second period off a slapshot just outside the Michigan blue line (I don't recall who the goal scorer was). It really was a goal Turco wishes he had back. Play was extremely tight the rest of the second period and into the third. It wasn't until about seven minutes left that Maine scored on the power play to gain a 3-2 lead. Just after the centerice faceoff, Maine was called for a two minute interference penaly. Michigan took advantage of this and scored off a deflection by Mike Knuble. The last six minutes of regulation saw both teams have several great opportunities, but Turco and Allison came up with some great saves. The excellent play of the netminders continued into overtime. Both teams had many great chances, including several breakaways, but the goalies stayed solid in net. The second overtime was much slower than the first, and there were less scoring chances. Both teams were showing signs of fatigue. However, Turco and Allison stayed alert, knocking aside any shot on goal. Maine got the game winner just twenty-eight seconds into the third overtime off a faceoff in the Michigan zone. The game broke the record for the longest NCAA tournament game in history, and came within about ninety seconds of breaking the record for the longest college hockey game ever. It was by far the best game I have ever seen. Both goaltenders should be recognized for their incredible play, giving their teams a chance to take it into a third OT. Being a Michigan fan, I must congratulate the Maine Black Bears for a hard fought victory. For Michigan, they will be back (hopefully another chance in the "phinal phour" next year). Brian Roberts Lafayette College '97