OMAHA, Neb. (UND Athletics) – Senior Grant Mismash redirected a shot in the final minute to break a 1-1 tie in fourth-ranked North Dakota’s 2-1 victory over third-ranked Minnesota Duluth Saturday afternoon in the NCHC pod at Baxter Arena.
North Dakota (6-2-1) got 23 saves from junior Adam Scheel and the penalty kill was sharp, killing all four Bulldog man-advantages in the win. UND moves within a point of UMD in the NCHC standings with the victory.
“Big emotional win, can’t have a letdown tomorrow,” Berry said about Sunday’s finale against Miami.
After a scoreless first, Collin Adams got things going on the power play for North Dakota. The senior potted his third goal of the season and UND’s NCAA-leading 11th on the power play to take a 1-0 lead at 13:15 of the middle frame.
Matt Kiersted steered a pass to Jordan Kawaguchi to Rayn Fanti’s left and then he shoveled it to Adams on the redline. His tough-angle shot found its way past Fanti for the early lead.
Minnesota Duluth (5-2-2) answered in the third on captain Noah Cates’ third goal of the season. It would remain 1-1 until Mismash’s heroics in the final minute.
Adams won a puck battle along the far wall and got it to Jacob Bernard-Docker at he point. His shot from the blueline was tipped in by Mismash in the slot with 48 seconds to go to help seal the win.
UND will close out the pod Sunday evening with an 8:05 p.m. puck drop against Miami.
