[youtube_sc url=https://youtu.be/6mUnT0DdPi8]
ST. CLOUD, MN—It goes without saying that scoring a goal to culminate the period is a momentum-shifting action. The University of Alaska Fairbanks was able to score a goal at the end of each period, but the Huskies’ efforts were evident from the inception of the game. St. Cloud State extended its undefeated record after besting Alaska-Fairbanks 5-4 in overtime at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.
SCSU did not run away with the score like in game one. The Nanooks posed a valiant effort that was sandwiched by a Huskies formidable forecheck, which manifested itself through Nick Poehling’s game-winning overtime goal at 2:06 of the extra time. Jack Poehling and Judd Peterson each had helpers on the play.
“What we learned today is that no matter who you play, every Saturday night is going to be tough,” said Nick. “We have to come ready to play every game. Confidence has been a key thing for me.”
“I think the offseason was a big bonus for him [Nick]. He took a lot of work and I think it really is paying off,” said Ryan Poehling of his brother when asked about his confidence level. “I’m really happy for him.”
Alaska-Fairbanks’s assistant captain Zach Frye was assessed a 10-minute game misconduct that facilitated a Jacob Benson goal at 8:41 to make the score 3-2. Scoring chances seemed to be abundant at the extremities of each period, and it was so when Robbie Jackson gave the Huskies a 2-1 lead at 1:12 to open the third period. The third frame showcased an almost equal ability to break through the neutral zone, a factor in the game that was only positive for Alaska-Fairbanks in the second period.
If the Nanooks had one objective in mind going into the middle frame, surely it was not to score at the end of it—but that works too when Martinsson stonewalls the opponent. Martinsson had two huge saves, and a bit of luck from the iron, on the Huskies’ best chances in the second period. Ross Heidt of Alaska-Fairbanks had a beauty—to give the Nanooks their first lead— when he went bar-down on the backhand to beat SCSU’s David Hrenak top shelf at 18:06. Justin Young and Nick Hinz each had helpers on the play.
As Kylar Hope successfully netted the lone wrap-around goal at 18:34 of the opening period, he was not only evening the score but also stifling SCSU’s momentum. The Huskies created the ice with little resistance from a distinct Alaska-Fairbanks team that did not resemble that of Friday’s match. Ryan Poehling had a goal disallowed following a brilliant pass that traveled through the congested crease. Jimmy Schuldt set the tone of the game with an absolute laser from the high slot at 5:07 of the first period.
