Quinnipiac won their first NCAA men’s hockey championship in thrilling fashion with a 3–2 come-from-behind overtime win over Minnesota at Amalie Arena on Saturday night.
In a showdown of the NCAA’s top offense (Minnesota) and top defense (Quinnipiac), the title tilt lived up to its billing.
Jacob Quillan scored 10 seconds into overtime to give the Bobcats the victory. After entering the zone, Sam Lipkin worked his way down the near boards and delivered a brilliant tape-to-tape pass across the ice to a driving Quillan, who buried the puck past Minnesota goalie Justen Close.
Quinnipiac wins its first-ever national title after a quick score in OT!
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 9, 2023
(via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/TatY0338Eh
The Bobcats were able to send the game to overtime after a gutsy call by coach Rand Pecknold. Down 2–1, Pecknold made the bold decision to pull Perets with 3:28 still remaining in the third period with Quinnipiac on the power play. Minnesota killed the penalty, but thanks to the extra attacker, Collin Graf was able to score the equalizer just five seconds after the Gophers were able to return to full strength.
Quinnipiac, thanks to solid fore-checking and a solid attacking style, outshot Minnesota 30–15 in the victory.
Minnesota has won five national championships, tying them with Boston University and Boston College for fifth-most in NCAA history. However, the Gophers now see their championship drought extend to 20 years after last winning it all back in 2003.
