NCAA Hockey Bracket 2012, Cornell Vs. Ferris State: Bulldogs Into Frozen Four With 2-1 Win

The Cornell Big Red and Ferris State Bulldogs played a defensive game in the first two periods. Both goalies played well, but they weren’t tested with a high volume of shots and they went into the third period of their regional final scoreless. Then, things exploded with three goals. Ferris State gave up power plays and were significantly out-shot, but made the most of their opportunities in a 2-1 win. They’ll be heading to the Frozen Four in Tampa.

Ferris State scored the game’s first goal just 11 seconds into the third period on a carryover power play from the second period. Garrett Thompson scored the close-range goal on an empty net, taking advantage of a pass across the face of the net by Jordie Johnston. Matthew Kirzinger picked up the secondary assist.

It took just over one minute for the Big Red to answer through Dustin Mowrey, who leveled the score at 1-1 just 1:32 into the third period, assisted by Kirill Gotovets. Right after the ensuing faceoff, Ferris State’s TJ Schlueter picked up a game misconduct penalty, gifting a five-minute power play to the Big Red.

The Bulldogs’ penalty kill was spectacular. Cornell did well to move the puck and create shots during the lengthy power play, and they held the zone on attempted clearances over and over, but couldn’t convert. Right as the power play expired, the Bulldogs broke out on a rush. Andy Huff, who served the penalty for Schlueter, sprang out of the box and made himself available for a pass. He set up Johnston for the go-ahead goal 6:54 into the period, and it would ultimately be the winner.

It was all Cornell for the remainder of the game, but Taylor Nelson was fantastic, making 11 of his 22 saves in the third period. His best — a fantastic glove save on Sean Collins — came with just over a minute remaining. Cornell couldn’t get an opportunity better than that one as Ferris State held on to book a trip to the Frozen Four.

For more on the road to the Frozen Four in Tampa, stick with our 2012 NCAA hockey tournament StoryStream.