Johnson, North Dakota Shut Out UMD 3-0

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — North Dakota goalie Cam Johnson was so solid in nets on Friday that Minnesota Duluth didn't have a chance, even with six skaters.

Johnson stopped 40 shots to notch his second straight shutout, a 3-0 National Collegiate Hockey Conference win over Minnesota Duluth.

Johnson, who shut out Denver 4-0 in his previous game, improved to 5-0-0 since his return from an early injury.

The Bulldogs pulled goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo with four minutes left for an extra attacker. But even with the extra man, they were no match for Johnson.

"It's nice that Cam persevered," North Dakota coach Brad Berry said. "He was cramping up late in the game and he found a way to get it done. "

The Bulldogs outshot the Fighting Hawks 40-22 overall and 15-6 in the third period.

Brock Boeser, Shane Gersich and Joel Janatuinen scored goals for the Hawks (15-2-2, 8-1-0 NCHC), who have won five straight games.

Boeser has a point in nine straight games. Nick Schmaltz had an assist to extend his point streak to 10 games.

All three North Dakota goals were scored by freshmen.

The Hawks took a 2-0 lead on goals by Boeser and Gersich in the first period.

Boeser scored on a breakaway while being taken to the ice to give the North Dakota a 1-0 lead at 12:53. Minnesota Duluth's Karson Kuhlman rode Boeser to the ice but couldn't keep him from scoring his 12th goal on a backhander.

Gersich upped the lead to 2-0 with his fifth goal of the season at 16:42.

"We did a good job getting pucks on net, but we gave them a couple opportunities," Bulldog captain Andy Welinski said. "They're a high-powered offense and put a couple in the net."

Johnson kept it a two-goal lead with a stop of Kyle Osterberg on a breakaway at 13:39 of the second period.

Kaskisuo wasn't as successful. He gave up Joel Janatuinen's goal at 10:17 of the second period to make it 3-0. Janatuinen scored on an odd-man rush and pass from Luke Johnson.

"All of our goals were scored off the rush," Berry said. "This is a team that is all or nothing. They're coming at you. If they keep it in, they'll make plays. If they don't, you see what happens."

North Dakota's vaunted top line of Schmaltz, Boeser and Caggiula had three points on the night.

"I am so sick of hearing we're a one-line team," Berry said. "Other guys are chipping in. We need that."

Kaskisuo made 19 saves for the Bulldogs (7-6-3, 4-4-1), who had their four-game winning streak snapped.

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