Thursday, April 10, 2014

4/10 Recap: Fasching to skate for title

Hudson Fasching (+1, SOG) performed well in all-situations while being a regular fixture in front of the opposing goal as Minnesota advanced to 2014 NCAA Frozen Four Championship game with a dramatic 2-1 victory over North Dakota. The game looked to be heading to overtime until senior defenseman Justin Holl scored his first goal of the season with just 0.6 seconds left on the clock to get the Gophers into the title tilt.

Fasching did his usual thing for the winning side, playing both sides of the special teams coin and using his frame to win board battles at even strength. The freshman winger didn't earn a point, but made an impact by getting to the edge of the crease and drawing attention from two North Dakota defenders as Sam Warning freely scored the first goal of the game at 10:51 of the third period. North Dakota would strike back 32 seconds later, creating an exciting pace the rest of the way.


Minnesota moves on to face Union for all the marbles Saturday evening at 7:30 ET (ESPN). Union earned their way in with a 5-4 win over Boston College.

Elsewhere, Nikita Zadorov (-2, 4 PIM) was unable to score as London was bested by Guelph 6-3. The home-ice loss puts the Knights in a 3-1 hole in the OHL Western Conference Semifinal. The Knights, who have played the series without veteran defenders Zach Bell (broken leg) and Sabres prospect Brady Austin (mono), will look to stave off elimination Friday when Game 5 goes down in Guelph.

In the WHL, Logan Nelson was held without a point as Victoria saw their season come to an end with a 5-1 loss to Portland. The Minnesota native recorded three goals and seven points in eight playoff games. If the Sabres intend to sign him, they'll need to lock him up prior to the June 1 deadline.