GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) Defenseman Nick Mattson had a goal and two assists as top-ranked North Dakota beat Colorado College 5-1 in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference playoffs on Friday.
Paul LaDue added a goal and an assist as top-ranked UND opened the best-of-three playoff series in impressive fashion. North Dakota (26-7-3) can wrap up the series with a win on Saturday.
UND had just six of its 36 shots in the first period. The Tigers countered with five of its 22 shots.
North Dakota's blue-liners had seven points, increasing its nation's-best total to 108 on the season. UND has beaten Colorado College five times this season.