Gophers settle for a Duluth-Twin Cities tie
DULUTH – The Minnesota Gophers traveled home from Amsoil Arena Saturday night still looking for their first win in the Twin Ports in more than a decade but generally feeling good about their game.
Goals from Jimmy Snuggerud, Aaron Huglen and Jaxon Nelson helped the Gophers twice rally from a one-goal deficit to earn a 3-3 draw at Minnesota Duluth on Saturday night.
Justen Close made 27 saves for the Gophers (4-3-1), who gave up a third-period lead, survived an overtime power play by the Bulldogs (3-3-3), then had their own overtime man advantage but failed to do so managed to get the game winner.
“Overall, I liked everything we did except for taking a few stupid penalties,” Gophers coach Bob Motzko said. “It’s the second time this year that we’ve had unnecessary penalties that have gotten us into trouble. We had 50 shots. They had a good kick-off at the start, we withstood it, but you make mistakes like that. Duluth played very hard tonight and those are mistakes that cost you.”
Two Bulldogs scored in the overtime shootout, while Brody Lamb and Rhett Pitlick failed in their shootout attempts. The Bulldogs got 47 saves from goaltender Matthew Thiessen, ending their three-game losing streak.
Minnesota Duluth hasn’t lost a home game to Minnesota since October 2011. The Gophers have their first Big Ten away test next weekend, traveling to Michigan for two games.
