(Photo credit: UND Twitter)

Last season, Notre Dame hockey went on a run of heart-stoppers that might be unmatched in NCAA history, winning 3 straight tournament games in overtime or in the final seconds of regulation.

Welcome to Cardiac Kids II.

The Irish pulled off a late comeback to send Friday’s NCAA first-round game against Clarkson to overtime, then capped off a looooooong scoring chance with the winner by Cam Morrison, scoring a 3-2 victory. They’ll face UMass tomorrow night with the Frozen Four on the line.

The Irish controlled most of the game’s pace, as evidenced by a healthy shot advantage, but a flukish early goal kept the Golden Knights on top through most of regulation. Down 2-1 with almost three minutes left, ND coach Jeff Jackson put on his analytical hat and pulled Cale Morris early. He was almost immediately proven right when Cal Burke wended his way through traffic and fed Bobby Nardella for the tying goal.

If last Saturday’s B1G title game win was largely due to Cale Morris’ standing on his head, today his teammates picked up the slack. The Irish kept the pressure off Morris most of the game. While they weren’t rewarded with goals until the very end, the lack of Clarkson shots limited their chances to pull away.

Assist to Nico Sturm, top 10 in the country in points per game, for picking up a game misconduct penalty in the second period and watching the rest of the game from the tunnel. Couldn’t have done it without you, my man.

Irish vs. Minutemen, 6:30 tomorrow on ESPNU. Don’t miss the Cardiac Kids’ next show.