UND's triumph over Miami in the series opener was fueled by a pre-game pep talk from Dave Hakstol, now the NHL's top coach with the Colorado Avalanche. Hakstol's teams were renowned for their late-season surges, a trait he instilled in UND during his 11 seasons as head coach, leading them to seven NCAA Frozen Fours. Hakstol's message focused on the challenges of tournament-style games, emphasizing the importance of not making weak plays. UND's strategy paid off, as they dominated Miami for 60 minutes, with Tyler Young scoring the lone goal, assisted by Andrew Strathmann. Despite a stellar performance by Miami's Matteo Drobac, who stopped 41 of 42 shots, UND's Jan Špunar secured his fourth shutout of the season with just 12 saves. Coach Dane Jackson praised the team's strong, basic plays and their ability to manage the puck effectively. UND's No. 3 ranking (22-7, 14-5 NCHC) surpassed last year's win total and brought them within three victories of the Penrose Cup. The team's defensive prowess was highlighted, as they held Miami to under 20 shots on goal for the eighth time this season, ranking third nationally. Since the bye week, UND has allowed only two five-on-five goals, showcasing their resilience and ability to maintain a simple, effective game plan. Keaton Verhoeff attributed this success to their commitment to making smart plays and executing crisp passes. The game held added significance for Young, as his father, Scott, an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks, attended his first game in Ralph Engelstad Arena, witnessing his son's strong performance.
