Connor Leen's Overtime Goal Pushes Maine Past UMass

Orono, Maine -- The University of Massachusetts overcame a 2-0 deficit to force overtime, but couldn't hold off Maine in the extra session.

Devin Shore found a wide-open Connor Leen in front of the net with 1:33 to play in the overtime period. Once the Chester, NJ native received the puck, he buried it into the back of the cage, which set off a wild celebration.

Maine only won twice at Alfond Arena a year ago, and it took until February for that first victory in Orono. This season, under first year head coach Red Gendron, the Black Bears are off to a 2-0 start on home ice.

Maine jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals from Mark Anthoine and Ben Hutton. The second goal was a power play tally, set up by Shore working the puck down low to Hutton who roofed it past UMass goaltender Steven Mastalerz.

Minutemen Freshman Ray Pigozzi would cut the lead in half with 3:14 to play in the opening period when he finished off a nice play from linemate Troy Power. UMass senior captain Conor Sheary's power play tally at the 13:50 mark of the second stanza evened the score at two.

The score would remain that way until Leen's overtime score. Maine outshot UMass 37-29 on the evening. The two teams will do battle again Saturday night at the Alfond Arena at 7:30 p.m. in the second of two nonconference games between the Hockey East foes.

Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, NHL Draft prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.