Gophers complete sweep of Michigan St. with 5-1 win

Eleven Minnesota skaters contributed points as the No. 4 Gopher men’s hockey program earned its ninth sweep of the season after a 5-1 win over Michigan State on Saturday evening at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

Cullen Munson and Ben Meyers each posted a goal and an assist in the win as Minnesota earned its NCAA-leading 19th win of the season and finished the regular season with a 4-0-0 record against Michigan State.

The Gophers (19-5-0 overall, 15-5-0-0-0-0 Big Ten) jumped out to a large lead in the first period with four goals on 10 shots to start the opening 20 minutes. Munson pocketed his second goal of the season (and first since the season opener) at 10:18 while Reedy added the eventual game winner for his eighth of the year at 14:02 and is now tied for the NCAA lead with five deciding goals this season.

Less than two minutes later, Ben Meyers added his 11th of the year at 15:42 before Jack Perbix found the net for the third time this season at 18:32. Meyers eclipsed his freshman goal total with the tally and is two points shy from his rookie point total. Perbix also set a new single-season goal total and matched his point total from his freshman year.

Sammy Walker closed out the five-goal run for the Maroon & Gold with his 12th tally of the year at 7:31 of the second period as the team captain set a new career high for goals in a season.

Michigan State (7-13-2, 5-12-1-2-1-0) snapped the goal drought with a goal from Gianluca Esteves at 14:44 of the second period.

Jack LaFontaine (17-5-0) made 18 saves on 19 shots in the series finale to earn his NCAA-best 17th save of the year. Drew DeRidder (7-13-2) took the loss for Michigan State with six saves on 10 shots. Pierce Charleson made 20 saves on 21 shots in a relief appearance.

Minnesota held a 31-19 advantage in shots.