The University of Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team took down Miami University 3-1 in their final performance before winter break. UMD secured five vital National Collegiate Hockey Conference points in his weekend's series
The game was scoreless after the first period, but scoring chances were dominated by the Bulldogs. They led shots on goal 11-5 after twenty minutes. The RedHawks had the lone power play of the period, but only managed one shot on net. It wasn't until the closing two minutes that MU got any serious looks at the goal.
After intermission, UMD was back on the offensive, reviving their early sense of urgency. Quinn Olson skated up the boards, sneaking the puck between two RedHawk defenders and straight onto Blake Biondi's waiting stick. Biondi shot from the top of the slot and scored his 25th career goal for the Bulldogs.
A minute later, there was a delayed call on MU for holding. Goaltender Zach Stejskal sped to the bench, giving UMD an extra skater. With six players in the offensive zone, Ben Steeves assessed his options before skating the puck in. He let it go at the top of the circle and secured his third regulation goal of the weekend.
The goal-scoring battle between Steeves and RedHawk PJ Fletcher continued in the third period. Fletcher also scored two Friday night and re-tied Steeves with an early goal to bring MU within one. All three goals so far came within the first 5:15 of a period.
The RedHawks thought they'd tied up the game with just under seven minutes left, but a swift challenge by the Bulldogs for offsides overturned the goal. UMD kept their lead and would extend it in the final minute with an empty net goal from Captain Luke Loheit.
The Bulldogs were 4/4 on the penalty kill tonight and they outshot MU 32-19 at the final whistle. Nine different players made their way onto the scoresheet for UMD with either a goal or assist in the 3-1 victory.
The Bulldogs enter winter break with a 5-8-4 overall record. They totaled nine points and a conference record of 2-5-1. With tonight's win, UMD ties Omaha for sixth in the conference. The Bulldogs are only one point behind Colorado College and two behind Denver. Men's hockey returns to AMSOIL Arena and NCHC play Friday, January 12 against Colorado.
Before that, UMD will skate out on Thursday, December 28 against Northeastern at 4 p.m. for the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-off. The Bulldogs will also take on either Air Force or Wisconsin the following day. Games will take place at Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette University Golden Eagles.
