The goal put the Bulldogs ahead 4-1 and proved to be the game-winner.

Both teams struggled to adjust to the larger ice surface, but adaptation proved the key to survival and advancement in the tournment. A third period adjustment by Miller made the difference; Charlie Darwin would have been proud.

"We spread our offense out more, which creates open spaces," Miller said. "We created those open spaces, moved the puck and passed a lot."

The change worked. Duluth broke a 1-1 third period tie and exploded with five goals in the final frame.

Duluth's international contingent was a major factor in the team's third period outburst.

Four Duluth players skate for the Finnish National Team and two play for Team Sweden. These players grew up playing on the larger ice surface and are accustomed to playing the game at the international level in Olympic-sized rinks.

"International players like big ice," Miller said. "It's a change for North Americans and when you step onto the big ice at the end of the season it takes away from your game."

It might also have taken away a national championship from either Dartmouth or Harvard.