GRAND FORKS, N.D. – It took a wild finish, but North Dakota finally shook its nemesis.
The Fighting Sioux scored twice in the final 5 minutes, 25 seconds to defeat the University of Maine 3-1 Friday night in a men’s hockey game between two nationally ranked teams.

It was a dramatic turnaround because the Black Bears had dominated play and went on a power play with 5:34 left and the scored tied. But five seconds later, Maine forward Joey Diamond was penalized for boarding, his third penalty of the third period and fourth of the game.

Additional Photos

University of Maine goalie Martin Ouellette kicks aside a shot by North Dakota’s Michael Parks for one of his 18 saves Friday night in North Dakota’s 3-1 victory at Grand Forks, N.D. Photos by The Associated Press

Then three seconds later with four skaters on the ice for each team, Ben Blood scored on a slap shot from the blue line to give North Dakota a 2-1 lead. Corban Knight’s goal from the goal mouth with 1:25 remaining iced it for the Fighting Sioux, who had lost four straight to the Black Bears.

Maine was the only opponent last season to get a weekend sweep of the Fighting Sioux, who reached the Frozen Four. The Black Bears were equally dominant Friday night for most of the way as goalie Brad Eidsness was forced to make 30 saves for North Dakota (2-1). Martin Ouellette had 18 saves for Maine (1-2).

The first period was scoreless although the Black Bears controlled play with an 11-6 shots-on-goal advantage. Their best scoring chance was on a breakaway by Adam Shemansky, but he whiffed on a wrist shot.

Maine took the lead on Spencer Abbott’s one-timer from just inside the blue line.He blasted a pass from fellow defenseman Will O’Neill into the far upper corner just five seconds into a power play.

Three minutes later, North Dakota freshman Michael Parks scored on a wraparound to tie it.

The Black Bears also had a 15-8 edge in shots during the second period.

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