Bulldogs Play Well, End in Tie with Gophers

2-2 OT in a Goalie Showcase

The Bulldogs played well tonight but only have a tie to show for it. Friday against the Gophers at AMSOIL Arena ends 2-2.

Throughout the game, UMD showed their speed and ability to move the puck. The problem for the Bulldogs was the play of Gopher netminder Kent Patterson was equally as good. Patterson completed the night with 40 saves, many of which resulted during heavy Bulldog offensive pressure.

In the third period alone, UMD racked up the unofficial stat of scoring chances keeping a great fore check at an up-tempo speed. The best scoring chance coming from a great pass from JT Brown that was tipped just high of the cross bar by Justin Fontaine late in the period. So close, and yet a tie.

UMD had their struggles at times in the game. At least four definite defensive breakdowns, by my count, were committed by the Bulldogs in their own zone. The most egregious directly resulted in the second Gopher goal at 8:42 of the second period from a half-hearted breakout pass.

Kenny Reiter, like Patterson, did a great job in net doing everything he could to keep what few scoring chances (again that unofficial stat) the Gophers had, out of the net. As it turned out, Reiter was solid in making 36 saves.

This game was controlled by the Bulldogs, especially in the third period. The saving grace for the Gophers was Patterson. Look for UMD to come out tomorrow night with more energy and more pressure. The “blood was in the water” tonight and the Bulldogs need to finish off the Gophers in the weekend finale.