ORONO — Cedric Lacroix had two third-period goals as the Maine Black Bears scored three times in the period en route to a 4-1 victory over the University of New Hampshire.
The Black Bears take a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three in the first round of the Hockey East tournament.
Liam Blackburn gave the Wildcats a 1-0 lead in the first period.
Nashua, New Hampshire native Brendan Robbins tied the game for the Black Bears in the second period with Rob Michel and Brady Keeper picking up the assists.
Robbins also picked up an assist in the game
Lacroix broke the 1-1 deadlock with 3:31 remaining in the game.. Tim Doherty and Lacroix both scored empty-net goals.
Freshman Jeremy Swayman stopped 26 of 27 shots for the Black Bears while Danny Tirone turned aside 45 shots for the Wildcats.
Game two is Saturday night in Orono at 7:30 p.m., where Maine has a chance to move to the second round. If necessary, game three is set for Sunday, also at Alfond Arena.
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