Minnesota Shuts Out UMD 3-0 to Salvage Series Split

[Arlan Marttila]

Minnesota Shuts Out UMD 3-0 to Salvage Series Split
Provided by the University of Minnesota

The Golden Gophers earn a series split in Duluth with a 3-0 victory
against the Bulldogs. Sarah Erickson scored two goals for the Gophers,
and goalie Noora Raty got her fifth shutout of the season.

Like last night, the Gophers got on the board first, but quite as
quickly as last night’s first goal one minute into the game. Senior
captain Sarah Erickson got goal with just over three minutes remaining
in the period, assisted by sophomore Amanda Kessel. The goal was
Erickson’s 10th of the season. The Gophers outshot the Bulldogs 13-7
in the opening period, and were successful on their one penalty kill.

Minnesota extended its lead to two goals just 24 seconds into the
second period, as Amanda Kessel scored with an assist from senior Jen
Schoullis. The Gophers had three power play chances in the second
period, but didn’t score on the power play until Sarah Erickson found
the net 18 minutes into the period, assisted by Kessel and Schoullis.
The Gophers outshot the Bulldogs again in the second period, with a
15-6 advantage in the period.

Neither team scored in the final period. The Bulldogs outshot the
Gophers 16-6 in the final period after being outshot in the first two
periods. UMD got a few chances to score in the final minutes as Kelly
Seeler was called for a 10-minute misconduct and a minor for
unsportsmanlike conduct, giving the Bulldogs a power play with one
minute and 14 seconds remaining. UMD pulled its goalie to give the
Bulldogs two extra skaters for the final 1:14 of play. The Gophers
were able to hold off the Bulldogs and get the shutout victory.

With the shutout, Gopher goalie Noora Raty tied the school record for
career shutouts. She now has 21 career shutouts, and is tied with
Erica Killewald for the record.

The Gophers improve to 19-4-1 and 13-4-1 in WCHA games, while UMD
moves to 12-9-1 and 9-8-1 in conference action.

Minnesota is next in action January 20-21 against Bemidji State in
Ridder Arena. Friday’s game starts at 6:00, while Saturday’s game will
begin at 4 p.m. Saturday’s game will be televised live on the Big Ten
Network.