Updated: November 09, 2019 12:15 AM
Jaxon Nelson’s first collegiate goal won’t officially count although that makes it no less impressive as the freshman forward dazzled for the 3-on-3 overtime winner on Friday night on the road against Michigan. Nelson’s tally secured the Big Ten bonus point for the Maroon & Gold while the game officially goes down as a 1-1 overtime tie.
After a scoreless first period, Minnesota (3-4-2 overall, 0-1-2-2 Big Ten) jumped out to a one-goal lead with Brannon McManus’ third goal of the year at 19:03 of the second stanza. Matt Staudacher and Sampo Ranta picked up assists on the goal. Michigan (3-4-2, 0-2-1-0) answered back with a goal from Jacob Hayhurst at 8:36 of the third period.
Nelson ended the second overtime session at the 2:52 mark with assists from Ryan Zuhlsdorf and Ryan Johnson. The statistics do not officially count towards season totals.
In goal, Jack LaFontaine made a season-high 33 saves for the Gophers, moving to 1-2-1 on the season in his return to Yost Ice Arena. The junior netminder spent two seasons on the Wolverines roster to start his career. Strauss Mann made 27 saves for Michigan, moving to 3-4-2 on the year.
Minnesota officially recorded 27 shots on goal in the tie (adding two more in the 3-3 overtime session) while Michigan ended the night with 34 shots on goal. The Gophers were 6-for-6 on the penalty kill but 0-for-3 on the power play.
University of Minnesota/Gophersports.com
Updated: November 09, 2019 12:15 AM
Published: November 08, 2019 12:00 AM
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