Johnny Simonson's game-winning goal with 3:31 left capped off an amazing finish between top three schools.
In a battle of top three teams in college hockey, it was only fitting that conference foes No. 1 Denver and No. 3 North Dakota ended in dramatic fashion — and that’s putting it mildly.
Three-goal comeback? Yes. Four third-period goals? Of course. The game-winner scored with 3:31 remaining after three lead changes in the final half period? You bet.
It’s only November, but the Fighting Hawks' 5-4 win over the Pioneers Friday night had a late-season feel between NCHC opponents, and it did not disappoint.
North Dakota trailed by three goals midway through the second period, only to score four unanswered goals by the six-minute mark in the third to take a 4-3 with 13:59 remaining.
Then, naturally, the Denver knotted the game at four apiece 5:27 later before Fighting Hawks senior forward Johnny Simonson deflected a puck on a shot from the right wing.
Check out the game winning goal and full highlights below:
Simonson's game winner:
Johnny on the spot!
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) November 18, 2017
Simonson's deflection puts @UNDmhockey back in front, 5-4, over @DU_Hockey late in the 3rd. #NCHCHockey
On #NCHCtv pic.twitter.com/nrJAttG6x5
Full highlights:
Well that was an exciting #NCHCHockey game...
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) November 18, 2017
What do you say we do it again tomorrow, eh @UNDmhockey, @DU_Hockey?
pic.twitter.com/FufsZ7BDgh
