The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs fell short 3-2 to No. 10 Western Michigan in overtime, despite their last minute goal to tie the game. Though they are now 7-10 in conference play, UMD did pick up a point in the NCHC standings after taking the Broncos to overtime.
In tonight's opening game,
Ben Steeves recorded two points with a goal and assist, along with
Quinn Olson tagging one goal. Recording one assist each tonight was
Luke Loheit and
Owen Gallatin.
The game got started in the Broncos favor. Just two minutes in, UMD went on an early power play where WMU struck first after picking up the loose puck and scored a short handed goal. The game was tied up at 12:19 after
Ben Steeves fired a shot that went well above the net, hit the glass, and bounced off the back of WMU's goalie into the net. At the end of the first period the game was tied 1-1 as well as shots were tied 10-10.
The second period was not as smooth as the Bulldogs had hoped. UMD took three penalties in the second. Western Michigan took the lead after the Bulldogs gave up a power play goal halfway through the period. Though the 'Dogs trailed at the end of the period, they did lead shots on goal 11-10.
Going into the third period with a goal deficit the Bulldogs fought for the entirety of the 20 minutes. With 1:58 left UMD pulled the goalie to give them the man-advantage. Defenseman
Wyatt Kaiser made a diving save on the empty net to keep the Bulldogs at a one goal margin. At the one minute mark, Gallatin set Steeves up to fire a shot on goal. His shot was blocked and landed on the stick of Olson who was waiting next to the pipes and sent the puck to the back of the net. After tying the game back up and just a minute to go, the Bulldogs found themselves heading to overtime.
In overtime UMD showed good effort in the offensive zone. Kaiser went on a breakaway after knocking away the puck from a WMU skater. Unfortunately, the puck was taken back to the defensive zone by the Broncos, where WMU ultimately scored the overtime winner.
UP NEXT The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs will take on the Broncos again tomorrow night at 6:07 p.m. for game two of the series.
