Forty-one seconds into the opening stanza of Semifinal #1 Purdue University NW took a 1-0 lead when Adam Napravnik wristed home the rebound off a Jordan DeGouw shot. The ensuing 10 minutes were almost exclusively played in PNW’s offensive zone, but they could not add to their goal total. Then at 10:36 Marquette and PNW were both whistled for minor penalties, leading to 2 minutes of 4-on-4. After only 33 seconds, Flynn O’Neill redirected a pass from RJ Swaw past an outstretched Daniel Leger, increasing PNW’s lead to two. PNW would go up 3-0 at 12:22 when Gabriel Santamaria walked in from the left point and picked the upper corner with a snapshot. Marquette would get their first powerplay opportunity of the game at 19:18 but lost the advantage with 5 seconds left before the first intermission when they got whistled for a high sticking penalty.

 

Period two kicked-off with 1:17 of 4-on-4 before PNW would start 38 seconds of power play. Five penalties between the two would be called in the first five minutes, and at 5:11 Marquette finally converted on their power play chance. Scoring top shelf, just inside the right dot, was Jack Rose. Marquette gained momentum from that goal and started to assert a stronger presence in the PNW zone. At 11:29 PNW found themselves back in the box. For the second time, Marquette took advantage on the power play, pulling back within one at 13:12. Scoring off a nifty feed from Nico Venier was Bennett Dufault, stationed wide open at the top of the crease. Despite fevered action, neither team could find the back of the net over the remainder of the period. As a result, PNW held a precarious 3-2 lead at the end of two periods of play.

 

Period three was a back and forth affair dominated by great goaltending. Down 3-2 and with time slipping away, Marquette went on the power play after a slashing penalty at 18:06 on PNW. It came down to the wire and Marquette netted what they thought was the equalizer, only to have the puck cross the goal line just after time expired. So, PNW luckily escaped for a return trip to the Championship game.