By Journal Sports Staff

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – The Northern Michigan University hockey Wildcats had a chance to steal the first game of their WCHA playoff series against Bowling Green State Friday night, but they let it slip away.

NMU went up 2-1 on the Falcons late in the third period, but the Wildcats let in the game-tying goal with 1:24 left and fell in overtime 3-2.

NMU goalie Michael Doan made 49 saves in the loss.

After a scoreless first period, the Wildcats (14-17-6) got on the scoreboard in the second frame. Sophomore forward Shane Sooth snuck the puck past Falcons goalie Tommy Burke at the 7:17 mark to give NMU a 1-0 lead.

The Wildcats maintained that slim advantage until midway through the third period when Falcons forward Mitchell McLain flung the puck at the net and it ended up getting past Doan to tie the game at 1-1.

NMU took the lead again at the 16:29 mark when senior defenseman Luke Eibler sniped a shot that went top shelf over Burke to put the Wildcats up 2-1.

Just a little more than a minute from getting a big win in the series, BGSU junior Mark Cooper tied the game at 2-2, sending the game into overtime.

It appeared as if the game was headed into another extra session.

But Falcons freshman Tyler Spezia scored with 28 seconds left in overtime to give BGSU (22-10-5) the win and a 1-0 advantage in the series.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Stieg. He can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 246. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.