Gophers beat Notre Dame 3-2 to complete weekend sweep

The Gophers men’s hockey team beat Notre Dame 3-2 Saturday night to complete the weekend sweep of the Fighting Irish.

The Gophers struck first midway through the first period when Grant Cruikshank knocked home a rebound off Jackson LaCombe’s shot.

Grant Silianoff tied the game at 1-1 when he scored for Notre Dame with just 1.7 seconds remaining in the second period.

It was back and forth action in the third period. Jonny Sorenson snuck behind the Fighting Irish defense and scooped in a backhander to give the Gophers a 2-1 lead 2:27 into the third. Notre Dame answered only 29 seconds later when Solag Bakich beat Jack LaFontaine to tie it at 2. It stayed tied until 2:15 left in regulation. Sammy Walker camped out in front of the net for a perfect screen allowing Bryce Brodzinki to net the game-winner for Minnesota.

The 3-2 Gophers’ victory moves them to 5-3 this season and 2-0 in the Big Ten. LaFontaine made 26 saves for the Gophers. Minnesota travels to rival Wisconsin for two games against the Badgers next weekend.