ST. PAUL, Minn. — In perhaps the biggest consolation game in program history, Colorado College lost. And needed consoling.
North Dakota defeated the Tigers 4-2 in Saturday’s WCHA Final Five third-place game at the Xcel Energy Center. The loss denied CC one of four No. 1 NCAA Tournament seeds and sends the Tigers into next weekend’s West Regional at home on a two-game losing streak.
The Fighting Sioux leapfrogged the Tigers for a No. 1 seed by scoring three power- play goals against goalie Richard Bachman, the WCHA player of the year.
The teams might meet again next weekend as the top two seeds of the NCAA West Regional, which will be held at the Colorado Springs World Arena. It’s not certain where North Dakota will be sent as a No. 1 seed.
“I’m concerned about our inconsistent play,” said CC coach Scott Owens, whose team lost 2-1 in overtime Friday against Minnesota in the semifinals. “I realize we’re going home, but we didn’t put together 50 good minutes either night, and we haven’t had that issue in a long time. . . . I’ll certainly have the kids’ attention this week.”
CC, the WCHA regular-season champion and No. 1 playoff seed, scored first in each game. Bachman was sensational against Minnesota, which won on a fluke goal in overtime. Against North Dakota, he had little support.
The Sioux enjoyed seven power plays and got consecutive man-advantage goals from T.J. Oshie, Chris VandeVelde and Chay Genoway to take a 3-1 lead.
“We need to be more responsible in our own end,” said CC junior Chad Rau, who made it 1-0 with his first-period breakaway goal.
“It was a streaky game, and they had more streaks than us,” Owens said. “They moved the puck well and shot like men.”
Oshie said North Dakota’s victory was more important for confidence than seeding.
“We didn’t feel good after (Friday’s) loss,” he said. “Getting the intensity back and getting a win under us is a confidence- booster.”
North Dakota 1 2 1 — 4
Colorado College 1 1 0 — 2
First period — 1, CC Chad Rau 28 (Testwuide), 7:56. 2, ND, T.J. Oshie 18 (Chorney, VandeVelde), 19:20, (PP). Penalties — Chorney, ND (boarding), 2:40; Hillen, CC (holding), 8:13; Oshie, ND (slashing), 9:24; Lowery, CC (tripping), 17:27.
Second period — 3, ND, Chris VandeVelde 15 (Chorney, Oshie), 5:01 (PP). 4, ND, Chay Genoway 7 (Marto, Malone), 10:27 (PP) (GW). 5, CC, Jimmy Kilpatrick 15 (Connelly, Lowery), 16:36 (PP). Penalties —Fredheim, CC (delay of game), 3:48; Malone, ND (kneeing), 8:10; Hillen, CC (interference), 10:09; Prosser, CC (slashing), 12:28; Radke, ND, (hooking) 15:06.
Third period — 6, ND, Darcy Zajac 3 (Radke, Marto), 10:02. Penalties — Prosser, CC (contact to the head), 2:45; Miller, ND (roughing), 4:21; Thauwald, CC (roughing), 4:21; Prosser, CC (delay of game), 10:44.
Goaltending — ND, Jean-Philippe Lamoureux (60:00, 35 shots, 33 saves, 2 GA); CC, Richard Bachman (58:22, 35-31-4); empty net (1:38).
Shots on goal — ND 18-12-5—35; CC 13-8-14—35. Power plays — ND 3 of 7; CC 1 of 4.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
