The number one seed Minnesota Golden Gophers had eight different goal scorers in their 8-0 win over the number eight seed Bemidji State Beavers on Saturday afternoon. The Gophers had a strong backing from the over two thousand people that filled Ridder Arena, hoping to see a sweep and win 36 on the season. They got both. The win means the Gophers advance to the Final Faceoff, which will also be held at Ridder Arena.
The Gophers got out to the start they were looking for thanks to goals by Milica McMillen and Meghan Lorence within the first ten minutes of the period. It was a dominant period for shots as well, with the Gophers having a giant 14-2 advantage.
The Gophers really poured it on in the second period, putting in five goals and forcing starting goalie Jessica Havel to an early shower. The offense of the Gophers came despite the absence of star forward Amanda Kessel. The offense seemed to come from everywhere too. Hannah Brandt would start the scoring in the second period, but the Gophers also got a goal out of Baylee Gillanders, her first of the season, and Brook Garzone. Sarah Davis and Megan Bozek scored on some pretty wrist shots and you could just see the confidence oozing out of the team. Abby Ryplanski didn't fare much better in relief of Havel, giving up three more goals before the afternoon was over.
Katie Frischmann scored the lone goal of the third period on the only Gophers power play goal of the game. Noora Räty stopped all 19 shots she faced to get her 33rd win of the season and 15th shutout of the year. That shutout broke the tie with Jessie Vetter for most shutouts in a season. She also got her 41st career shutout, also an NCAA record.
The Win for Minnesota was number 36 on the season, as they are also going for that record of most wins in a season, currently held by Wisconsin with 39.
To check out the boxscore, go here.
Next up will be Ohio State at 7pm on Friday. Wisconsin will meet North Dakota in the other Final Faceoff game, starting at 4pm. The winners will meet on Saturday night at 7 pm.
To see more info about the Final Faceoff, check out this press release.
Thanks for reading!
Comments