Gopher men’s hockey yields six straight goals in 6-2 loss at Michigan

Minnesota’s four-game winning streak and eight-game unbeaten streak at Yost Ice Arena came to an end on Saturday night as the No. 11/12 Gophers fell to No. 3/2 Michigan 6-2.

The road loss was the first by Minnesota (10-8-0 overall, 6-4-0-0-1-0) at Yost Ice Arena since Nov. 10, 2017.

The Gophers opened the night’s scoring with Bryce Brodzinski’s team-leading ninth goal of the year in the first period and ended the night’s scoring with a tally late in the third period from Grant Cruikshank. Blake McLaughlin assisted on both goals while Ryan Johnson and Jackson LaCombe also picked up assists.

Unfortunately, Michigan (13-5-0, 6-4-0-1-2-0) potted six goals in between the two Minnesota tallies. Michael Pastujov recorded a natural hat trick for the Wolverines while Mark Estapa, Jay Keranen and Nolan Moyle each contributed a goal.

Justen Close made his second appearance of the season in goal for the Gophers over the last 26:22 of action with the junior making a career-high 17 saves on 18 shots. Jack LaFontaine took the loss for Minnesota with 17 saves on 26 shots – the first time the goaltender has allowed more than one goal against in five games at Yost Ice Arena as a member of the Gophers. Erik Portillo made 21 saves on 23 shots for the win.

The Gophers were outshot 44-33 on the night (a season high for shots against) while neither team was successful on the power play (Minnesota was 0-for-4, Michigan was 0-for-2).

Coach’s Comments
“Michigan responded, and we didn’t have a response,” Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko said. “The game got behind us, and we chased it all night long.”

Noteworthy
Saturday’s loss snapped a 14-game winning streak for the Gophers when playing on Big Ten Network since the start of the 2020-21 season.

Up Next: Winter Break
Minnesota has concluded the first half of the 2021-22 schedule and will return to action following the winter break.