North Dakota Hockey: A Weekend Split and the Road Ahead
A sellout crowd at Ralph Engelstad Arena witnessed a hard-fought battle this weekend, as the fifth-ranked North Dakota Fighting Hawks split their series with No. 9/10 Denver. While the 3-2 loss on Saturday marked only the second regulation defeat in their last ten games, it also highlighted areas for improvement as the team navigates a competitive NCHC schedule.
The Power Play Struggles: A Growing Concern?
One key takeaway from the weekend was UND’s inability to capitalize on the power play. Going 0-for-3 on Saturday, and failing to score a power play goal throughout the entire series, is a notable departure from their season-long performance. This is particularly concerning given the importance of special teams in close games and playoff scenarios. According to NCAA.com data, teams converting over 20% of their power play opportunities win approximately 60% of their games. UND’s recent struggles need addressing.
Reschny’s Rising Star Power: Freshman Impact
Despite the loss, the emergence of freshman Cole Reschny continues to be a bright spot for the Fighting Hawks. His three-game streak of multiple points, culminating in a pair of assists on Saturday, demonstrates his offensive prowess and hockey IQ. Reschny’s impressive faceoff numbers (11-5 on Saturday) also showcase his all-around game. He’s quickly becoming a pivotal player, and his consistent performance is reminiscent of other successful freshmen who’ve propelled UND to championship contention, like Brock Boeser in 2016.
NCHC Championship Race: A Tight Battle
UND remains atop the NCHC standings with 32 points, but Denver’s series split keeps them within striking distance. With ten league games remaining, the race for the NCHC championship is far from over. The NCHC is consistently ranked as one of the toughest hockey conferences in the nation, and every point matters. A recent analysis by College Hockey News suggests that the top four teams in the NCHC are all legitimate contenders for a national championship.
Looking Ahead: Arizona State and Beyond
The Fighting Hawks will now hit the road to face Arizona State, beginning on Friday night. This series presents an opportunity to rebound from the Denver loss and solidify their position in the NCHC standings. Arizona State, while not traditionally a hockey powerhouse, has been investing heavily in its program and is becoming increasingly competitive. This series will be a good test of UND’s ability to perform consistently on the road.
Did You Know?
Ralph Engelstad Arena, home of the Fighting Hawks, is widely considered one of the premier college hockey facilities in the country, known for its luxurious amenities and passionate fanbase.
Pro Tip:
For fans following the team, utilizing the Fighting Hawks Radio Network is a great way to stay connected during road games. Live stats are also available on FightingHawks.com for real-time updates.
Statistical Snapshot
- UND’s all-time record against Denver: 161-139-16
- Cole Reschny’s points in the last 13 games: 20 (3G, 17A)
- Shots on goal: UND 35, Denver 17
- Faceoffs: UND 38, Denver 24
FAQ: North Dakota Hockey
Q: Where can I find the full Fighting Hawks hockey schedule?
A: The complete schedule is available on the official Fighting Hawks website: https://fightinghawks.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/schedule
Q: How can I listen to Fighting Hawks games on the radio?
A: Games are broadcast on the Fighting Hawks Radio Network. Check the schedule for specific station listings.
Q: What is the capacity of Ralph Engelstad Arena?
A: Ralph Engelstad Arena seats 11,643 fans.
Q: Where can I find more information about individual players?
A: Player profiles, including stats and bios, are available on the Fighting Hawks website: https://fightinghawks.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster
Q: What is the NCHC?
A: The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) is a highly competitive Division I men’s ice hockey conference comprised of eight schools.
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