Instant Reaction: Irish Fall Short Against MDU
The late game magic had to end some time and it finally did in the national championship game versus Minnesota Duluth. Down 2-1 heading into the final twenty minutes, the Irish didn't generate many chances to come close to tying it up.
MDU played like the more desperate team despite having the lead and Notre Dame simply looked out of gas. The forecheck wasn't there for them with little puck support and if they weren't making a play off the rush, then they weren't making plays at all.
Hats off to MDU who dominated puck possession for the majority of the game. And when they didn't have the puck, they put in more work to win it back. They were the grittier squad tonight and it was a huge reason why they were able to come out with the win.
- Cale Morris was outstanding for most of the game. He was the biggest reason why the Irish were able to kill off three power plays in the second period and why they still had a chance to tie it up at the end of the game.
Still, I can't help but think he will be haunted by the second goal he gave up where he was caught cheating off the post late in the first period. It's a shame because he played more than well enough for Notre Dame to win. That goal could end up haunting him for awhile.
It doesn't take away from the terrific season he had. He was the best player on the ice for the Irish. I hope the coaching staff reinforces that to him this off season.
- Notre Dame turned the puck over an incredible amount of times on the breakout and in the neutral zone. That was largely due to UMD's structure and relentless play by their forwards, but the Irish didn't do a good enough job adjusting to it other than in the second period (when they were not on the penalty kill).
They needed to chip more pucks in and win some battles down low. Those battles and the cycle game were not strong points for Notre Dame's forwards.
- Andrew Ogilvie's goal was the highlight of the game off a set play, but his play overall deserved praise. He was the only Notre Dame forward that was able to consistently create chances.
- Defenseman Justin Wade and Dennis Gilbert led the way physically and shut down UMD's top line for the most part.
But the other Irish defenseman struggled when they had to go up against Karson Kuhlman's line. They were flying all game long and their speed had Notre Dame on their heels.
- I understand that many Notre Dame supporters probably jumped on the bandwagon during the Frozen Four and are disappointed after this loss. The fact that Notre Dame had the season they had shows what kind of program that Jeff Jackson has built, though.
After Cal Petersen left Notre Dame early to go pro, there was supposed to be a drop off at the goaltending position and with the program overall. The team exceeded expectations and did so without any superstar players. That's a credit to the recruting and development of the players by Jackson and his staff.
At some point they will breakthrough and win a national championship. Tonight was just not their night.