For the first time in school history, the Minnesota State Mavericks will play for a Division-I national championship.
After falling behind in the first period, the Mavericks rallied and used their suffocating defense to defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 5-1 and advance to Saturday’s national championship game against the Denver Pioneers.
The matchup featured two teams that met in last year’s tournament. In that game, the Gophers were shut down by the Mavericks, who earned a 4-0 victory to advance to the Frozen Four for the first time in school history.
Thursday’s game had a similar feel in the first period. The Mavericks tilted the ice in their favor, outshooting Minnesota 13-4 in the opening frame. But a turnover in the neutral zone sprung the Gophers on a 2-on-0 breakaway.
Matthew Knies and Bryce Brodzinski executed a perfect tic-tac-toe that ended with Knies beating Dryden McKay to put Minnesota on the board.
This.
Is a work of art. @Matthew_Knies 🤝 @bbrodzyy pic.twitter.com/XAMRI0WX5Y
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 8, 2022
The Gophers took the 1-0 lead into the intermission but Minnesota State took control back in the second period. Benton Maass and Reggie Lutz scored in the second frame to put the Mavericks on top 2-1.
THIS is Minnesota State Hockey đź‘Źđź‘Ź#MFrozenFour x @MinnStMHockey pic.twitter.com/SlDM481DrB
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 8, 2022
With third-period goals from Ondrej Pavel and David Silye, Minnesota State was able to lean on their defense and goaltender Dryden McKay. The Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalist had a stellar night between the pipes, stopping 17 of 18 Gopher shots. With Brendan Furry adding an empty-net goal, the Mavericks on their way to the title game.
The Pioneers will be waiting for the Mavericks after an overtime win against Michigan earlier on Thursday. With Minnesota State looking to make history, the puck will drop in Boston at 7 p.m.
