Morton’s goal gives Minnesota State lead after first period of NCAA title game

Minnesota State celebrates Sam Morton’s first-period goal against Denver on Saturday (photo: Jim Rosvold).

BOSTON — Minnesota State holds a 1-0 lead over Denver through one period of the 2022 NCAA championship game thanks to a power-play goal by Sam Morton.

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.

Minnesota State held an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal in the period.