The University of Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team came back from a two-goal deficit, but ultimately lost 4-2 to No. 4/5 University of North Dakota on Saturday night. It was an even matchup throughout most of the game, but the Bulldogs lack of third period scoring made the difference. 

UMD improved through the first two periods, despite UND securing the first two goals of the game. The Bulldogs held them off until the end of the first period and answered right back in the middle frame. 

Defenseman Aiden Dubinsky opened the scoring for UMD, sending a shot through traffic that trickled past the Fighting Hawks goaltender and into the net. Dubinsky has scored in each of the past two series, starting against Denver with his first collegiate goal. 

It was another shot by Dubinsky that tied the game, deflecting off of Jack Smith's stick. With the addition of a primary assist, Dubinsky had his first multi-point collegiate performance.

The score remained even through a three minute Bulldog penalty kill and the rest of the period. In the second, a combined 35 minutes of penalties were assessed, all stemming from one incident. Minor penalties for roughing were handed out, as well as two game misconducts and a major penalty.

UND scored twice in the third period, once early and then again while UMD made their final push to get back on the scoreboard. The Bulldogs outshot the Fighting Hawks 9-3 in the third period and 28-21 overall. 

Captain Luke Loheit led his team with five blocks. Two were back to back in the first period and he put his body in front of three more shots in the second. At the other end, sophomore Ben Steeves led the charge with four shots on goal (8 total).

UMD travels to Colorado Springs for the penultimate regular season series. The Bulldogs will play Colorado College at 8 p.m. CT on Friday, March 1 and 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, March 2.