Grand Forks Central advances to East Region semifinals with win over Fargo Davies
Feb. 13—GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks Central senior Markus Lunski opened the scoring for the Knights 40 seconds into the first period with a shot from the top of the right circle.
The fast start, and three-goal first period, were keys to No. 2 Central's 5-2 win over No. 7 Fargo Davies in the East Region quarterfinals at Purpur Arena Tuesday.
"It was fairly significant, in the sense that it takes a little pressure off us, being the seed that we are, to score first," Central coach Grant Paranica said of the start. "Maybe not quite have the jitters as much."
Lunski scored early in the third period, his 12th goal of the season, to extend Central's lead to 5-1. Senior Evan Panzer (one goal, one assist) and sophomore Cooper Deziel (two assists) also had two-point games in the win.
The Knights (13-3, 18-3 overall) also had goals from junior Mack Blue and sophomore Gavin Wockenfuss on the power play.
The Eagles got on the board in the second period after a goal from senior Andre Werk, his 10th of the season. Junior Talon Seckerson scored the second goal for Fargo Davies at 12 minutes, 26 seconds in the third.
"We knew we had to go try hard and heavy with them," Fargo Davies coach Nate Metcalf said. "We ran four lines. We're going to the game plan. We just needed to throw more pucks in the net. Didn't do that, and didn't get any bounces."
Davies forced Central out of their offensive zone much of the game. The Eagles outshot the Knights 34-25 and had more quality scoring chances than Central, 10-9.
"We weren't very good in our zone," Paranica said. "Davies was real good on pinching down on our D and keeping the play alive in the zone. We played well enough to win. We capitalized on our chances. We're moving ahead, and that's what's important."
Central senior goaltender Jaxon Washburn had 32 saves in the win. Davies sophomore goalie Breckun Metcalf ended with 20 saves after stopping just four shots of Central's seven shots in the first period.
Davies dropped to 5-11 in the conference and 7-16 overall.
Central will play No. 3 Fargo North Friday at Purpur Arena after No. 1 Grand Forks Red River hosts No. 4 Fargo South/Shanley. Fargo North beat West Fargo Sheyenne 4-0 Tuesday.
Paranica said he told his team after the game a key piece to winning Friday's game will be playing in their own zone.
"It was suspect tonight," he said. "No question about it. But that's something we can get better at for sure."
