Boxscore | Paul Lowden Interview

Bo Jacobs (Twin Lakes, Mich.) unleashed a cannon from the right point to put the Panthers up 3-1, which held on to be the game winning goal that propeled DU into the National Championship game. Matt Morang (Dearborn, Mich.) deposited an empty net goal to seal the victory for the Panthers.

The Panthers started out slow in the first period as DU could only muster 3 shots on goal. The Bobcats capitalized midway through the first frame as an Ohio forward let a wristshot from the slot go that beat goaltender Joe D'Elia (Toronto, Ontario) blocker side. The Panthers were fortunate to escape the rest of the period unscathed as the Bobcats went into the first intermission with the 1-0 lead.

The second period turned out to be the antithesis of the first as DU came out with a purpose. The Panthers got on the board midway through the second on a Sean McWhorter (Lansing, Mich.) powerplay goal. The play prior to that, Kyle McDowell (Toronto, Ontario) drew a penalty that required patience and confidence as his hard work paid off, resulting in the Ohio minor penalty. On the goal, McWhorter collected the puck at the low left faceoff dot and walked in the goaltender, making a quick move, causing the Ohio netminder to open up his legs as the DU forward sniped between the pads. DU outshot Ohio 8-4 in the second period as the momentum began to slowly shift.

The third period featured leadership and poise from the veteran Panthers as DU passed their biggest test of the tournament, completing the comeback. With 8:56 left in the period, Phil Wendecker (Westland, Mich.) slid the puck over to a streaking Sean McKenzie (Howell, Mich.) who collected the puck and rifled a snapshot just under the bar. The very next shift, Jacobs held the puck in the offensive zone and unleashed a slapshot from the blue line that found the back of the net. While the Panthers celebrated, fending off the Bobcat furious comeback attempt wasn't easy. With three minutes remaining in the contest, the Bobcats were able to score on a 5-on-3 advantage to close the Panther lead to one.

The Panthers were able to fend off Ohio for the final moments of the contest as Morang scored on the open net, sealing the Panther victory.

Goaltender Joe D'Elia turned in one of the most impressive efforts of the season as the freshman goaltender made 29 saves on 31 shots. D'Elia kept the Panthers in the game throughout the contest; his most notable save came with minutes left as the netminder robbed an OU defender who found himself alone in front of the crease, unleashing a quick shot the D'Elia handled with confidence.

The Panthers will be playing in their fifth consecutive National Championship game, going 3-1 in their prior four opportunities. DU will face the winner of Lindenwood and Delaware on Tuesday evening. Check DUpanthers.com for a game preview and live stats information.