By Taylor Bovarnick and Hannah Clary
The Newton South boys’ hockey team came back from a three-goal deficit to defeat No. 7 Dracut 4-3 in overtime in the Division III North Semifinals Thursday night.
Junior captain Griffin Connolly had three goals, including the game winner in overtime.
In the first period South had eight shots on goal, while Dracut only had six.
Dracut got on the board early, scoring a goal with 10:36 to go in the first period before scoring another goal two minutes later.
Unable to capitalize on a five-on-three advantage, the Lions ended the second period trailing 2-0.
In the second period, South, which switched its goalie from sophomore Matt Aviles to junior Chris Olsson, had 10 shots on goal; Dracut had 12.
With 12:39 left in the second period, Dracut increased its lead to three, scoring on a powerplay.
South’s three-man rush, led by senior Oleg Musatov, resulted in a goal for the Lions with 9:45 left in the period.
Connolly tipped a shot by Musatov from the right side, decreasing Dracut’s lead to one at the end of the second period.
In the third period, South outshot Dracut 12 to 10.
With 7:25 to go in the third period, Connolly netted it once again, tying the game at three goals apiece.
After a scoreless rest of the third period, the game headed for overtime.
After a quiet few minutes of play, Connolly completed a hat trick, sending the Lions to the Division III North finals.
The Lions will play against Wayland High School, which upset No. 1 Watertown, on Saturday, March 8, at 5:15 p.m. in Stoneham.
