Notre Dame bounces Boston University to set up quarterfinal matchup at Boston College

South Bend, Ind. -- The University of Notre Dame hockey team bested Boston University, 3-2, on Friday night in front of 5,022 at the Compton Family Ice Arena in the program's first ever appearance in the Hockey East Tournament.

Notre Dame senior Bryan Rust gave the Irish a 1-0 lead after one period when he scored at the 6:28 mark of the opening frame. T.J. Tynan and Sam Herr assisted on the game's opening tally.

Fellow senior Jeff Costello added to the Fighting Irish lead 9:25 into the second period when he scored set up by Shayne Taker and Tynan.

Evan Rodrigues cut the Notre Dame lead in half with 3:56 to play in the second period, assisted by Robbie Baillargeon.

Peter Schneider scored the game-winning goal 3:07 into the final period when he was set up by Stephen Johns and Kevin Lind. The goal that gave the Irish a two-goal cushion ended up being much needed insurance.

Baillargeon scored a power play goal for the Terriers to cut the Notre Dame lead to 3-2 with 7:38 to play in the game on a set up from Garrett Noonan and Ahti Oksanen.

Notre Dame out shot Boston University, 29-27. Irish goaltender Steven Summerhays stopped 25 of 27 while BU's Matt O'Connor made 26 saves.

The loss meant the end of a 21 year streak that saw Boston University win at least one game in the Hockey East Tournament.

The win sets up a showdown against Boston College next weekend in the Hockey East Quarterfinals. The Fighting Irish defeated the Eagles, 2-1, in overtime in the final game of the regular season. The Eagles won the other matchup between the two schools at Fenway Park in January by a score of 4-3.

Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.