The University of Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team traveled to Ithaca, N.Y. to take on Cornell University for the first match of a two-game away series. The Bulldogs recorded their first loss of the season, falling 4-1 in regulation.

CU played quick and aggressive early and UMD had to adjust. A power play midway through the first period gave the Big Red two solid shots on goal and they drew a hooking penalty with eight seconds left in the first penalty. 

The original holding penalty ran out, but CU converted on the second. The Big Red rushed into the offensive zone after winning the ensuing center ice face off and set up. Fourteen seconds after the puck was dropped, CU scored their second goal.

The Bulldogs took their third penalty with just over a minute left in the period, managing to hold onto the 2-0 deficit. They were outshot 12-4. 

UMD began the middle period with a 51-second penalty kill and went back to the box for tripping soon after. In the first five games this season, the Bulldogs averaged seven penalties and five power plays per game. Early in the second period UMD was on pace for nine penalties, with none called the other way. 

Halfway through the game, the Bulldogs finally had a power play. A minute in, the Bulldogs were back in the box, switching to 4-on-4. When CU gained the man-advantage, they scored once again.

When the Big Red were called for a second penalty, the nation-leading power play scorers were eager for another opportunity. Cole Spicer shot from the point. The puck rebounded one, twice, and ended up on Ben Steeves' stick. He skated in and scored from close range. 

The Bulldogs entered the third period down two goals once again. However, the teams looked more evenly matched than they had all night. Both stayed out of the box and off the scoresheet in the beginning.

Unfortunately, CU broke through with five and a half minutes left. They led by three for the first time and ended the game that way. UMD skated off the ice with their first loss of the season and plenty of motivation.

The Bulldogs play the Big Red again tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. CT.