Behind a third-straight shutout from junior goaltender Ryan Fanti, No. 4 Minnesota Duluth and Colorado College played to a 0-0 tie on Saturday night in Duluth. With a shootout victory, the Bulldogs picked up the extra point in the NCHC standings and five of a possible six points on the weekend. 
 
On the night, Fanti made 26 saves, including three-straight shootout saves to earn his third consecutive shutout. It's the first time a Bulldog has tallied back-to-back-to-back shutouts since Hunter Shepard during the 2017-18 season. Senior captain Noah Cates notched the only goal in the shootout to secure the extra point for UMD. 
 
Just five minutes into the first period, Darian Gotz was called for slashing, giving CC the first power play opportunity of the night. The Tigers would note two shots and a crossbar during the man-advantage but came up empty. After going 3-5 on the power play on Friday night against CC, the Bulldogs got their first chance midway through the first. Senior Koby Bender got an opportunity but was denied by CC goaltender Matt Vernon. Minnesota Duluth would go 0-3 with the man-advantage on Saturday night. At the end of the first period, Colorado College would outshoot the Bulldogs 9-6. 
 
In the second period, both teams would get two power play opportunities each. However, both goalies stood tall. Following a second period slashing call on Ben Almquist and a boarding call to Wyatt Kaiser, the Tigers would get a 5-on-3 chance. While in the left-wing faceoff circle, CC forward Danny Weight got a clean look at the net. Weight snapped a shot that would be blocked by a kneeing Tanner Laderoute and cleared from danger. Later in the power play, a rebound would bounce through the slot, but would be alertly cleared by Laderoute. The teams went into the third period tied at 0-0. 
 
Neither side would commit a penalty in the final frame. Following a scoreless third period, UMD and CC would head to sudden death overtime, despite the Bulldogs outshooting the Tigers 30-26 on the night. In the extra period, Casey Gilling went coast-to-coast and ripped a shot far side from the right faceoff circle. While in the butterfly, Vernon made the save with the shaft of his stick, keeping the score 0-0 and sending the teams to a shootout. After Fanti robbed the first CC shooter, Cates faked a shot, made a quick forehand move, and beat Vernon low blocker side to put the Bulldogs ahead. Fanti would deny the final two Tiger shooters to secure the shutout and get UMD the extra point. 
 
Next Up
The Bulldogs will hit the road and battle the University of North Dakota next weekend in Grand Forks, N.D. Puck drop on Friday is set for 7:07 PM, with Saturday's game beginning at 6:07 PM.