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Overtime, over and over

Minnetonka's Erik Baskin finally scored the goal that defeated Hill-Murray 2-1 in a Class 2A semifinal, four overtimes into the game and just short of a record.

Last update: March 13, 2010 - 4:47 PM

Top-ranked and top-seeded Minnetonka outlasted No. 4 seed Hill-Murray 2-1 in the fourth overtime of Friday's second Class 2A semifinal. Erik Baskin scored at 2:31 to clinch the Skippers a spot in the title game.

The game lasted 86 minutes and 31 seconds, less than seven minutes shy of the record mark of 93:12 set in the 1996 semifinal game won in the fifth overtime by Apple Valley over Duluth East.

Minnetonka's Connor Ryan got a skate on a pass from Tommy Lundquist and redirected it into the Pioneers' net at 2:02 of the second overtime, but the officials on the ice and in the review booth agreed: no goal.

No penalties were called in the game, and the Skippers' potent offense was held in check through regulation as well. Heading into the second overtime, Hill-Murray had outshot Minnetonka 30-15 and held the edge in quality scoring chances.

"We said we were on borrowed time," Minnetonka coach Brian Urick said. "It might have helped to not do anything for three periods. We started taking it to them in the overtimes."

Minnetonka scored at 12:09 of the first period on a goal from defenseman Andrew Prochno. He grabbed the puck in the neutral zone, got around Hill-Murray defenseman Chris Casto and scored.

Casto got his revenge on the other end, batting in a puck that bounced off the boards and back out in front.

Hill-Murray controlled much of the second period, holding Minnetonka's offense to two shots on goal and eight through two periods.

Prochno's goal marked one of the few times a Skippers defenseman got loose in the offensive zone. Coach Brian Urick joked after Thursday's quarterfinal with Lakeville North about keeping a tighter hold of the offensive-minded Prochno and Justin Holl.

Minnetonka stiffened defensively in the third period, but generating offense remained a chore. Just one Skippers shot got to the net.

"Hats off to Minnetonka, but I thought we played well, too, and had every opportunity to win," Hill-Murray coach Bill Lechner said.

DAVID LA VAQUE

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