Box Score Victories over the University of Minnesota over the past several years have not been easy to come by for Colorado College, but on Friday night the Tigers found a way to get it done.

Playing at home for the first time in 54 days, Colorado College prevailed 4-1 for just its second win in the last 18 meetings between the two National Collegiate Conference rivals. The triumph. the Tigers' first over UMD in Colorado Springs since Oct. 18, 2013 (they are now 1-6-1 over that stretch) and put the skids on a six-game winless drought (5-0-1) to the Bulldogs.

The No. 3 Bulldogs (16-7-2 overall and 9-5-1-0 in the NCHC) trailed 2-0 before senior center Peter Krieger redirected a shot from freshman right winger Noah Cates past Colorado College netminder Alex LeClerc at 12:19 of the second period for his third goal of the season -- and first since Oct. 19. The Tigers (11-12-3; 5-7-2-0 NCHC) answered five minutes later to take a 3-1 lead into the second intermission before icing things with Grant Cruikshank's third period goal.

UMD outshot Colorado College 41-28 and built up a 16-8 advantage during the final 20 minutes or regulation. The two clubs combined for just five minor penalties the entire night and three power play opportunities.

Saturday's series finale is set for 7:07 p.m. (CT) at the Broadmoor World Arena.