Because the quarterfinal rounds were 2-game total-goal series at the time the Falcons would need to beat the Terriers by four goals if they wanted to advance.
Kruzich held BU off the scoresheet for more than two extra frames, giving his team the time it needed to notch the deciding goal and put the Falcons into the Frozen Four.
The Falcons met three-time defending CCHA tournament champion and #1 western seed Michigan State in the semifinal.
Kruzich and his counterpart Rick Kosti saw to it that the game would be a classic when they both refused to yield the final goal through three additional 10-minute periods.
With 1:47 remaining in the fourth overtime the Falcon's Gino Cavallini finally broke the tie and gave Bowling Green the National Title.