Game Summary: 01/09/2025 - Northwest Express 3, Minnesota Mullets 0

Game Summary: Northwest Express 3, Minnesota Mullets 0
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Location: Augsburg University Ice Arena

The Northwest Express secured a commanding 3-0 shutout victory over the Minnesota Mullets in a penalty-heavy game. Despite a slow start, the Express capitalized on key opportunities in the second period to claim their third straight win

First Period
The game began with both teams testing each other but neither finding the back of the net. Solid defensive efforts and a handful of penalties highlighted the opening period. At 11:22, a brief scuffle led to matching penalties for roughing (Brenden Wolff, NWE) and unsportsmanlike conduct (Cole Taylor, MUL). Another round of matching penalties occurred at 16:37, reflecting the game's chippy tone. The Northwest Express outshot the Mullets 10-14 in the period, with both goaltenders standing tall.

Second Period
The Northwest Express broke the deadlock just 24 seconds into the second period when Harrison Browning scored off a precise setup by Otis Berge and Preston Lundbohm. This early goal set the tone for the period.
The Express struck again at 10:29, with Jan Schiffer converting a play orchestrated by Brenden Wolff and Eli Underhill. The third and final goal came at 18:00, when Caeleb Burch buried the puck with help from Schiffer and Wolff.
The period was also marred by penalties, with the Mullets’ Jovan Fowler receiving a cross-checking penalty followed by a misconduct for unsportsmanlike conduct at 1:59. Late in the period, the Express' Dylan Wolf received a misconduct penalty of his own.

Third Period
The final period saw no additional scoring but was riddled with penalties as tempers flared. The Mullets racked up several unsportsmanlike conduct and interference calls, while the Express added to their penalty tally with roughing and cross-checking infractions.
Despite these opportunities, neither team capitalized on power plays, as both went 0-for-6 with the man advantage. The Express’ relentless defense limited the Mullets to just seven shots in the period, sealing the shutout.

Key Performances

• Rylan Freshwater (Northwest Express): Perfect in net, stopping all 27 shots for a shutout victory.
• Kody Niederkorn (Minnesota Mullets): Despite the loss, made 36 saves on 39 shots, keeping his team within striking distance.
• Brenden Wolff (Northwest Express): Played a pivotal role with two assists and physical presence throughout the game.

Shots on Goal

• Northwest Express: 10-20-9—39
• Minnesota Mullets: 14-6-7—27

Special TeamsBoth teams struggled on the power play, finishing a combined 0-for-12.

Takeaway
The Northwest Express demonstrated their dominance in the second period and relied on strong goaltending and discipline to secure the win. The Mullets, while physical and competitive, were unable to convert offensive chances into goals.

Final Score: Northwest Express 3, Minnesota Mullets 0