Quinnipiac captured its first NCAA men’s hockey championship in program history with a thrilling overtime win versus Minnesota on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

• Quinnipiac trailed 2-1 with just under three minutes left in the third period, but a power-play goal from Bobcats sophomore Collin Graf sent the title game to OT.
• Ten seconds into overtime, sophomore Jacob Quillan netted the winning goal, his fifth of the tournament, breaking Matthew Peca’s program record of four (2013).
• Minnesota’s John Mittelstadt lit up the scoreboard early in the first period while teammate Jaxon Nelson added a second Gopher goal early in the second.
• The 2023 championship was the first men’s national title game to be decided in overtime since 2011.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

How Quinnipiac battled back

Gophers coach Bob Motzko called Quinnipiac “Big Ten killers” after the Bobcats beat Ohio State and Michigan on their way to the title game. And while Minnesota didn’t give up nearly as many odd-man rushes as Michigan did, it was under siege for a good part of the second half of the game.

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The Gophers sat back way too much in the third, when Quinnipiac out-attempted them 26-7 (14-2 in shots on goal). The Bobcats had a gutsy effort in tying the game with just under three minutes to go on a 6-on-5 goal by Graf, then got the winner on the first shift in OT. — Smith

What this win means for Quinnipiac

Quinnipiac may not be considered a “blue blood” program, but the Bobcats have proven over the last decade that they’re going to be an annual contender. That’s three national title game appearances in the last 10 years, and it’s doubtful they’re done. — Smith

Pecknold’s plan

When Quinnipiac coach Rand Pecknold decided to pull his goalie with just over three minutes left during a power play for a 6-on-4 advantage, it was a bit risky. That opened things up for the Gophers to just ice the puck on clears or score the empty-netter.

But it’s a strategy Pecknold often uses, and it paid off. While the Bobcats didn’t score on that power play, they got the tying goal just seconds after on the shot by Graf — Smith

What this loss means for Minnesota

Just a devastating loss for Minnesota. The Gophers had their first national title in 20 years within their grasp. Now there’s heartbreak, and the unknown with several stars likely leaving for the NHL.

Captain Brock Faber is expected to sign with the Wild. Matthew Knies could leave for Toronto. Logan Cooley could leave for Arizona. Or could the Hobey Baker finalist be motivated to come back after this loss?

The Gophers were arguably the most star-studded team in the Frozen Four, led by the nation’s hottest lines. But it was their depth that impressed in their run to the title game.

In the semifinal, defenseman Luke Mittelstadt delivered two third-period goals to break a 2-2 tie in a win over Boston University. And, on Saturday, Mittelstadt’s brother John started the scoring (he had just three goals all season). Nelson added the go-ahead goal. — Smith

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Highlight of the game

BOBCATS WIN!!!! BOBCATS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!!

📺 ESPN2#MFrozenFour x @QU_MIH

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 9, 2023

What they’re saying

Pecknold, who just capped his 29th season leading the Bobcats, was on the verge of tears after his team won the title.

You deserve it, Coach 🥺

📺 ESPN2#MFrozenFour x @QU_MIH

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 9, 2023

Required reading

(Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck / USA Today)