EUGENE, Ore —The Oregon Ducks hockey team beat Boise State 2-1 on Friday night at The Rink Exchange, securing a first-game win in a two-game series by leaning on sophomore goalie Finn Wilson, playing a physical game, and scoring at key moments.
Goaltending was the deciding factor in the game, although both sides created scoring opportunities and struggled to get the puck into the net. Oregon had 34 shots on goal and Boise State 26, according to the official game sheet.
The first period ended with neither team scoring, as both goalies kept their sides in the game. Boise State pressed in the neutral zone, while Oregon focused on establishing a heavy forecheck early and creating scoring chances. Although both teams had several shots, neither the Ducks nor the Broncos broke through in the first 20 minutes.
Oregon finally achieved its breakthrough towards the end of the second period as forward Lewis Majkozak scored from the left-hand side to put the Ducks ahead 1-0 with one minute and fourteen seconds left; Austin Kluksdahl and Korey Cardenas Aston were credited with the assists for the goal. Oregon then carried that momentum into the third period.
With 14 minutes and 22 seconds left in the third, the Ducks increased their lead as Bobby Anselmo scored with assists from Devin Bruns and Dylan Chapman. The goal gave Oregon a two-goal advantage and therefore put pressure on Boise State to respond.
In response to Oregon's newfound cushion, the Broncos forward Jackson Howell scored a goal with only 7:27 left in the third period, reducing Oregon's lead to 2–1 and making the final minutes of the game more competitive. Although Boise State kept trying to tie, Oregon defended well and ultimately prevailed.
Oregon's Finn Wilson managed 25 saves out of the 26 shots he faced and only let in one goal. Logan Hensley from Boise State prevented 32 of Oregon's 34 shots, which kept the Broncos in contention throughout the game. Because of the way both goalies performed, it was especially important to make the most of scoring opportunities, which the Ducks capitalized on.
Physical play also played a role late in the game. With 3:51 remaining, the tension increased as players from both sides engaged in a scuffle behind the net. The Broncos Christian Welker received both a roughing penalty and a game misconduct, which resulted in Welker leaving the rink for the night and further heightened the intensity in the final minutes.
Oregon's ability to capitalize on its chances proved the deciding factor in a game in which both teams' goalies delivered strong performances. Although Boise State kept creating chances, the Ducks did enough on both ends to maintain their lead. As a result, Oregon has momentum heading into Saturday's game, where the Ducks will aim to take down Boise State for a second time and sweep the series.