Underdogs Soar: 5 Highlights from UND’s 5‑0 Victory Over Bentley

When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read a clean 5‑0 in favor of the Fighting Hawks. Most of the arena was still buzzing about the sheer dominance, but tucked away in the box score and the re‑play reels were a handful of moments that deserve a second look.

1. Late‑game heroics that went unnoticed – With the game already out of reach, senior forward Jaxson Miller skated down the left wing and buried a slippery wrist‑shot that bounced off the post and back in. The rebound didn’t change the tally, but it highlighted the depth of UND’s offensive confidence even when the clock was winding down.

2. A freshman’s first point – Freshman defenseman Levi Anders recorded his inaugural college assist on the second goal. The pass was a simple, crisp outlet to the slot, but for Anders it marked the start of what could become a promising blue‑line career.

3. The penalty‑kill shutout – Bentley earned a two‑minute power play early in the second period, yet the Hawks’ penalty unit held firm, clearing the puck and forcing a turnover that led directly to the third goal. A rare defensive showcase that kept the shutout intact.

4. Coach’s subtle adjustment – Head coach Mike Kruent swapped the usual third‑line center for a more aggressive winger just before the third period. That minor shuffle sparked a 2‑0 surge in the middle frame, underscoring how tactical tweaks can tip the scales.

5. Record‑breaking power play efficiency – The Hawks converted 3 of 4 chances on the man‑advantage, shaving off the previous season’s best power‑play percentage for the program. It wasn’t a headline‑grabbing goal, but the efficiency speaks volumes about the team’s special‑teams chemistry.

All told, the 5‑0 scoreline tells only part of the story. These five nuggets reveal why UND’s performance against Bentley felt less like a routine win and more like a master class in every facet of the game.