Quality of play impresses Lucia in tie with Boston College

The Gophers' fifth game of the season offered everything — except a victory.

It started with 40 minutes of back-and-forth hockey, followed by a third period of outstanding goaltending. Overtime was full of dramatics around the net, and the shootout needed an extra round.

Gophers coach Don Lucia was blown away by what No. 5-ranked Boston College and his No. 1 Gophers displayed in Week 3. It was such good hockey, he couldn't help but be happy after the 3-3 tie.

"It was a heck of a game. I can't remember the last time I was involved in that type of game this early in the season," Lucia said. "The pace, the plays that were made by both teams. If you made a mistake, you were going to pay."

Expect much the same in Sunday's 1 p.m. rematch at Mariucci Arena. The Gophers will be eager to make up for what felt like a loss after BC's 2-1 advantage in the practice shootout. And the Eagles are convinced they can play with anyone after Friday night's finish.

"We just tied the best team in the country, so we know we can do better and we'll try and do that on Sunday," Boston College defenseman Ian McCoshen said.

McCoshen made a game-saving play in front of the net in overtime and was honored with Sports Center's top play of the night. He is a Shattuck-St. Mary's product.

Gophers defenseman Jake Parenteau took a hard fall early in the first period and never returned to the ice.

Parenteau skated off the ice with help, but was slow to get up after his head clipped the goalpost. It was later announced he had suffered an upper body injury.

"I think he got jarred a little bit," Lucia said. "We're hoping he can play Sunday, so it's nothing that is going to be long-term. I thought our five [defensemen] did a good job. In that situation you can't hide anybody from their guys."

Jason Gonzalez • 612-673-4494 Twitter @JGonStrib