Alaska survives lopsided shot total in 3-2 upset of Gopher men’s hockey

The No. 8 Gopher men’s hockey team dropped a 3-2 decision to Alaska on Saturday night at 3M Arena at Mariucci, falling to the Nanooks for just the second time in seven all-time meetings.

Despite outshooting the visitors 38-15 on the night and 14-2 in the final frame, Minnesota (13-9-0 overall, 8-4-0-0-1-0 Big Ten) was unable to overcome a two-goal deficit in the third period. The Maroon & Gold finish the 2021-22 nonconference schedule with a 5-5-0 record outside of Big Ten play.

Alaska (6-15-1) jumped out to an early lead with a goal from Filip Fornaa Svennson just 59 seconds into the game.

Blake McLaughlin scored for the second game in a row and extended his point streak to a career-long six games at 5:43 of the second period off assists from Matt Staudacher and Sammy Walker. But the tie was short lived as Brayden Nicholetts scored 13 seconds later to reclaim the lead at 14:04. Markus Komuls added to the lead at 2:01 of the second stanza for the eventual game winner.

A strong third period by the home squad started early as Chaz Lucius scored his eighth goal of the season 18 seconds into the final frame. Jackson LaCombe and Matthew Knies earned assists on the game’s final score as Minnesota failed to find the equalizer.

Minnesota finished the game 2-for-2 on the penalty kill and allowed just one power-play shot on goal. The Gophers were unable to convert on seven power-play chances despite tallying 15 shots on goal while on the advantage.

Justen Close suffered his first career loss to move to 1-1-0 after making 12 saves. Gustavs Davis Grigals made 36 saves to move to 6-12-1.

Noteworthy
McLaughlin’s career-best, six-game point streak has the senior within striking distance of becoming the second Gopher this season to reach 100 career points after Sammy Walker hit the mark on Friday. McLaughlin currently has 93 career points (32 goals, 61 assists)…

Minnesota’s seven power-play chances were a season high as were the team’s eight penalties and 38 penalty minutes. Alaska’s 12 penalties and 46 penalty minutes were the most a Minnesota opponent has recorded this season.

Coach’s Comments
“We were conveniently good when it was convenient for us tonight. When it wasn’t convenient, we lost a little interest,” Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko said. “Their goalie was the best guy on the ice tonight, there’s no question. He was outstanding.”

Next Up: Home Showdown with Michigan
With its final nonconference series complete, Minnesota returns to Big Ten action next weekend, hosting Michigan at 3M Arena at Mariucci. The conference series opens on Friday, Jan. 21 at 8:00 p.m. CT (TV: ESPNU; Stream: Watch ESPN; Radio: 1130 KTLK/103.5 FM) with the finale scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. CT (TV: BTN; Stream: FOX Sports App; Radio: 1130 KTLK/103.5 FM).

Courtesy: University of Minnesota Sports Information