Gophers settle for split after 4-1 loss to Michigan

The No. 11 Gopher men’s hockey program finished the regular season with a 2-2-0 record against No. 4/3 Michigan after falling 4-1 on Saturday night at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

Minnesota (14-10-0 overall, 9-5-0-1-1-0 Big Ten) struck first with a goal from Bryce Brodzinski at 17:14 of the first period as the junior found the net for the 10th time this season. Currently tied for the team’s goal scoring lead, Brodzinski was set up by Blake McLaughlin and Mike Koster.

Michigan (19-7-1, 10-6-0-0-3-0) responded with four unanswered goals over the remainder of the game as Brendan Brisson, Matty Beniers, Michael Pastujov and Nick Blankenburg scored.

Justen Close moved to 2-2-0 on the year with 15 saves while Erik Portillo made 39 saves to earn the win. The Gophers held a 40-19 advantage on shots while going 1-for-1 on the penalty kill and 0-for-2 on the power play.

Noteworthy
McLaughlin continues to climb toward his 100th career point as the senior forward now has 94 points (32 goals, 62 assists).

Next Up: Road Trip to Notre Dame
Minnesota continues the 2021-22 campaign next weekend at Notre Dame. The Big Ten series starts on Friday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. CT (Stream: Peacock; Radio: 1130 KTLK/103.5 FM) with the weekend concluding on Saturday, Jan. 29 at 5:00 p.m. CT (Stream: Peacock; Radio: 1130 KTLK/103.5 FM).

Courtesy: University of Minnesota Sports Information