ORONO – Boston University scored three goals in an eight-minute span of the third period. The Terriers then added an empty-netter, turning a close game into a 5-1 rout of the University of Maine on Saturday night at Alfond Arena.

The Black Bears’ winning streak is over at three games; they dropped to 6-7-2 overall and 5-6-1 in Hockey East. Maine remains in sixth place in the league and has yet to beat any of the top teams.

BU, ranked 11th nationally, is 10-5-1 overall and 8-4-1 in Hockey East, good for second place.

Dan Sullivan made 26 saves and looked to be holding up the Black Bears. But BU kept getting close shots and broke through.

“We played extremely well start to finish. We finally found the net,” BU Coach Jack Parker said.

The shots were 31-31, but the Terriers finally pounced on their chances.

“I thought it was an even game but then they really picked it up,” Maine forward Mark Anthoine said.

Maine Coach Tim Whitehead said, “I didn’t see that coming in an evenly played game. We’re obviously not real pleased.”

Maine scored first with a solid power play, Nick Pryor passing to Kyle Beattie, who one-timed it over to Anthoine in the slot. He roofed it at 8:02 of the second period.

The score came after a five-minute major (and game misconduct) whistled against Justin Courtnall for a hit to the head, leveling Maine defenseman Mike Cornell.

But the Black Bears didn’t get to enjoy all five minutes. Maine forward Brian Flynn got sent off at 8:08, receiving a five-minute major and game misconduct for hitting from behind.

“They lost their best player,” Parker said. “They got the worst of that deal.”

Maine held a lead until the teams were four-on-four and Cornell was called for high-sticking. BU scored on a four-on-three power play at 18:23, peppering Sullivan at close range, with Corey Trivino’s shot slipping in.

Then the Terriers came out flying in the third period.

“We had great opportunities the whole game,” Parker said.

The score was 0-0 in the first period, each team with 11 shots on goal.

BU got two power plays in the first six minutes, but Sullivan held his position while closing open-net chances quickly.

Sullivan stopped Yasin Cisse moving in from the left circle, then foiled Charlie Coyle at the back door.

The Black Bears finally got their first power play at 14:35. BU goalie Kieran Millan made back-to-back saves on a rush from Maine’s top line. Spencer Abbott passed to Joey Diamond. His shot was blocked, as was Flynn’s.

NOTES: The Black Bears will resume play Dec. 29-30 at the Florida College Classic in Estero. They return to Alfond on Jan. 4 for a game against Vermont. Then comes the Jan. 7 game with New Hampshire at Fenway Park. Maine and BU meet again Jan. 27-28 in Boston.

Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be reached at 791-6411 or:

kthomas@pressherald.com

Twitter: KevinThomasPPH