PITTSBURGH -- After the first period, we wondered whether or not UMass-Lowell would be able to overcome a Yale team that had capitalized on two big power play chances. They haven’t been down more than a goal much this season, so it was rare territory for the River Hawks.
Frozen Four 2013, UMass-Lowell vs. Yale: Quick strikes tie score, 2-2
RIley Wetmore and Joseph Pendenza scored two goals just 14 seconds apart to even up the score, 2-2.
Justin K. Aller
Similarly, we wondered if Yale would sit back at all and allow a Lowell push, much like they did in the third period of the West Regional Semifinal against Minnesota. Well, both things happened.
Two quick-strike goals from Riley Wetmore -- who successfully put the puck, not his body, into the net this time -- and Joseph Pendenza just 14 seconds apart from one another quickly tied this national semifinal at 2-2, and it also immediately gave life to a UMass-Lowell team that had looked dead in the water for the better part of the previous 20 minutes.
Immediately after the Wetmore goal, which beat Yale goalie Jeff Malcolm after it was tipped in front, the River Hawks picked up a noticeable jump in their step. Aside from a stretch early in the first period, Lowell had allowed Yale to dictate the tempo for much of the game, but the River Hawks finally look to be playing like Hockey East champs and the Vegas favorites at this Frozen Four.
It’s 2-2 after two periods, and now we’ll have to wonder if Yale has another push back in them. A brand new hockey game begins in the third with a berth in the national championship game on the line.
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