Both teams have had their chances in the first period of the 2011 NCAA men’s hockey championship game, perhaps Minnesota-Duluth more so, but it’s Michigan who leads after one period in the Frozen Four’s finale. Ben Winnett has the Wolverines 1-0 up with a goal that came with 5:16 remaining in the period, despite some close calls for UMD and their superiority in creating shots.
Frozen Four 2011, NCAA Championship Game: Michigan Leads Minnesota-Duluth 1-0 After The First Period
Winnett is the hero at present, but he was almost the goat early in the period. His interference penalty put UMD on the power play, leading to Jack Connolly hitting the crossbar with 13:36 remaining. Just a couple of minutes earlier, Michigan had a goal disallowed when the whistle blew before the puck went into the net. The play was reviewed and the no goal ruling was upheld upon replay.
The final goal came through Winnett late, and Matt Rust deserves just as much credit for the goal as the man who scored. The Michigan faceoff ace won the draw and shuffled the puck back to Winnett, who was immediately in a good shooting position. Just like that, five seconds after a draw, Michigan had a lead that they would carry into the second period.
For more on the game, be sure to check in with SB Nation Minnesota. Nathan Wells is at the Xcel Energy Center covering the game live.
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