BOSTON — Minnesota State holds a 1-0 lead over Denver through two periods of the 2022 NCAA championship game thanks to a power-play goal by Sam Morton in the game’s opening frame.
After Denver’s Mike Benning was whistled for tripping at 13:23 of the first, it took just 36 seconds for the Mavericks to convert on the power play. Julian Napravnik fired a low shot from the left side that bounced to Lucas Sowder in the high slot. Instead of firing a shot, Sowder feathered a pass to Morton, who one timed the puck glove side past Denver goalie Magnus Chrona.
Denver had a power play of its own at 15:28 when Nathan Smith was sent off for roughing, but the Pioneers couldn’t convert.
In the second, both teams had their chances as the ice opened up a little more and the game got more physical, but neither team could beat the opposing goaltenders.
Through two period, Minnesota State holds an 18-8 edge in shots on goal. It is the second straight game that the Mavericks have held their opponent to eight shots total through two periods.