Connor Kelly finally broke through with the game-winning goal in the third overtime period.
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Junior Connor Kelly’s goal with 55 seconds remaining in the third overtime propelled No. 3 Maryland to a gutsy road victory over No. 11 Rutgers on Sunday night.
The win was Maryland’s third in a span of nine days, which also included triumphs over No. 1 Penn State and No. 5 Albany. The result clinched a berth in the Big Ten Tournament for the Terps (9-2, 3-0). It was Rutgers’ first loss at home since April 12, 2015 — also to Maryland.
Highlights! Connor Kelly scored in the third overtime to give @TerpsMLax the 13-12 win over Rutgers. https://t.co/m9XPy66y7O
— Maryland On BTN (@MarylandOnBTN) April 17, 2017
Goalkeeper Dan Morris was phenomenal in goal for Maryland. After failing to record a save in the first quarter, Morris finished with a career-high 16 saves in the game. Five of his 16 saves came in the three overtime periods.
Senior Matt Rambo led all scorers with six points on two goals and four assists, while Kelly and Tim Rotanz each contributed a hat trick.
Both Maryland and Rutgers went blow-for-blow in a wild first quarter that totaled eight goals and ended with a 4-4 stalemate. Dylan Maltz opened the scoring on a feed from Rambo, and Ben Chisolm also added a goal to five the Terps a 2-1 lead.
Rutgers answered with a three-goal run over the next three minutes, but Rotanz managed to draw the Terrapins even with a pair of back-to-back unassisted goals.
Connor Kelly talks with BTN mere moments after scoring the game-winner for @TerpsMLax. https://t.co/4z4w6sggx7
— Maryland On BTN (@MarylandOnBTN) April 17, 2017
The Scarlet Knights opened another two-goal advantage early in second-quarter action, but freshman Jared Bernhardt quelled the run with his 15th goal of the season.
Maryland then completely changed the face of the game after a John Tillman timeout with under a minute left in the half. Rambo evened the score with 34 seconds left on a beautiful dodge down the middle, and Kelly gave the Terps a 7-6 lead 11 seconds later on a feed from Austin Henningsen.
The Terps added to their goal-scoring run after the halftime break as Rambo found the back of the net 59 seconds into the frame and Heacock added his first of the game for a 9-6 advantage.
After both teams traded goals, Rutgers stormed back with three consecutive goals to tie the game at 10 apiece.
Maryland seemed in control as it took a 12-10 lead in the fourth quarter, but Rutgers responded and forced overtime.