Mankato, Minn. --- In the deciding game of the best-of-three Western Collegiate Hockey Association semi-final play-off series, it was Michigan Tech that came away with the 2-1 overtime win over third-rated Minnesota State Sunday in Mankato.
A tight opening period, which featured three power plays for both teams, saw the host Mavericks outshoot the Huskies by a 10-4 margin, but ultimately the game stood knotted a 0-0 after the initial 20 minutes of action.
Both teams found the back of the net in the middle period and it was Michigan Tech that did it first.
Just after the expiration of a Tech power play, the Huskies scored at 6:09 of the second period on a scramble in front of the Maverick net, with Jake Jackson getting credit for the goal. Then, with Minnesota State on the power play, Zeb Knutson's first shot was blocked, but he gathered in the rebound and took another shot from the slot that hit the mark at the 10:30 mark. His 14th of the year made it a 1-1 game.
The two teams battled through a scoreless third period in sending the game into overtime.
Jackson scored his second of the game at 15:07 in the extra session when he took the puck behind his own net before going up the right side, made his way to the middle of the ice in the offensive zone and fired a shot that found the back of the net that beat Connor LaCouvee glove side.
The Mavericks, which went one-for-seven in power play opportunities in the game, owned a 42-28 advantage in shots on goal in the contest. Tech was scoreless in six power play chances.
LaCouvee, who made his 16th consecutive start in goal for Minnesota State, stopped 26 shots in the game and now stands 23-5-1 with tonight's triumph.
With the win Michigan Tech advances to the WCHA championship game, which takes place next Saturday vs. Northern Michigan in Marquette, Mich.
The Mavericks are now 29-9-1 overall and will await the announcement of the NCAA postseason field, which is scheduled for March 18 when the 16-team bracket is unveiled.
Head coach Mike Hastings commented following the game.
