No. 2 Minnesota lost 3-0 at North Dakota tonight, splitting the series in Grand Forks. The Gophers fall to 15-3-0, and 9-3-0 in WCHA play. North Dakota is 11-6-1 and 8-5-1 in conference action.
The first period unfolded much differently than last night, with both teams remaining scoreless throughout the period. The Gophers had 12 shots in the period, but couldn't find the net. North Dakota's defense was much stronger than last night, and while the Sioux only had seven shots, they were quality shots. Both teams managed to stay out of the penalty box in the opening period. The Gophers led in shots 13-7 in the period.
The second period was much the same, neither team scored. Minnesota did give North Dakota a power play opportunity when Emily West spent two minutes in the penalty box for hooking, but the Sioux couldn't score. The Gophers had several close chances, most notably a shot by Amanda Kessel that came very close to the goal line, but couldn't find the net. Minnesota continued to outscore North Dakota, and had 27 shots to UND's 11 after two periods.
North Dakota got on the board early in the third period, as Andrea Dahlen got a goal one minute, 12 seconds into the third, with an assist from Michelle Karvinen. The Sioux got called for three penalties , giving Minnesota three power play opportunities before the period was half over, but the Gophers couldn't convert. Karvinen was called for interference with a minute, 58 seconds remaining, giving the Gophers another power play opportunity. Noora Raty left the net, and Monique Lamoureux-Kolls capitalized, getting a short-handed goal, assisted by Allison Parizek with 46 seconds remaining in the game.
UND added a second empty-net goal with six seconds left in the game to bring the final score to 3-0.
Minnesota outshot North Dakota 34-17 in the game, marking the first time this season the Gophers have lost when outshooting their opponent. The Gophers were shutout for the first time this season.
The Gophers return to action next weekend when they host OhioState in a Saturday-Sunday series. Both games start at 2:00 p.m. at Ridder Arena.
