Shots on goal: Harvard 17, Maine 15.

Score: Harvard 2, Maine 0.

Amazing.

Harvard’s run didn’t end there. On a carry-over power play, Packard went in 1-on-1 along the left wing and tied up his stick with Howard’s to give his team a 3-0 lead just 1:09 into the second period.

Was this really happening? Was this really Maine, the No. 1 team in the country? Was this really Howard, the No. 1 goalie in the country?

The Black Bears showed a little life when Todd Jackson scored about two minutes later, but back came the Crimson with a second-effort goal from Maki at 16:47 of the second.

Everything, it seemed, was going Harvard’s way. But that was before the Third Period From Hell.

The Crimson appeared as though it was finally on the precipice of an NCAA tournament win and a loud national statement. Instead, all that was in store was a near-silent dressing room and quiet bus ride home.

"Tough way to go," Smith lamented.

—Staff writer Jon Paul Morosi can be reached at morosi@fas.harvard.edu.