Minnesota Duluth's Matt McKnight stuffed in a Drew Akins pass at 8:44 of the third period to make it 1-1 with Minnesota tonight at the DECC. There was no scoring in overtime. Shots favored Minnesota 27-20.
Minnesota senior winger Ben Gordon scored on a Blake Wheeler rebound 76 seconds into the third period for a 1-0 lead.
There was nothing on the scoreboard after two periods as the Gophers led in shots 21-14, which meant UMD goalie Alex Stalock was busy.
Minnesota winger Jay Barriball had two of the better attempts in the opening period. Stalock turned away a backhander 40 seconds into the game. Stalock also got his right arm on a Barriball power-play shot with 5:10 left in the period.
UMD's best chance in the opening period came as Michael Gergen put a backhand shot on Minnesota freshman goalie Alex Kangas at 5:49. The save was made and as Gergen carried on behind the net and to the left circle, he collided heavily with referee Todd Anderson.
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In the second period, Minnesota defenseman Derek Peltier had a tap in at the left side of the UMD net at :59 but slid the puck wide. Stalock turned away Blake Wheeler and linemate Gordon during a flurry in the opening minutes, and then made his best stop -- sliding to deny center Drew Fisher at 4:24.
Kangas stood his ground stopping UMD defenseman Jason Garrison on a power play and stopping Gergen at the crease. His best save was on a Minnesota turnover that gave UMD freshman Cody Danberg a point-blank attempt with 85 seconds remaining. Each team had eight shots in the second period.
