University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Clarkson
Bristedt Caps Overtime Win for Gophers
10/28/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
POTSDAM, N.Y. (GopherSports.com) - Leon Bristedt's second goal of the night capped a four-goal swing for the No. 12 Gopher Hockey program as Minnesota rallied from a three-goal deficit to beat Clarkson 4-3 in overtime on Friday night at Cheel Arena.
Making its first-ever appearance at Clarkson's home rink, Minnesota improved to 4-0-0 all-time against the Golden Knights although Friday's win proved to be a battle for the Maroon & Gold.
After surrendering a three-goal lead in the first period, the Gophers dominated the pace of play for the rest of the contest, scoring four-unanswered goals and outshooting the Golden Knights 25-11 in the final three stanzas after both teams put 11 shots on goal in the first period.
A pair of quick power-play chances in the second period brought Minnesota back to life on Friday night.
Mike Szmatula cut into the lead with his second goal of the year, lifting home a loose puck at 10:35 of the second period - just 10 seconds into the start of a power-play chance for the Gophers. Tommy Novak and Justin Kloos assisted on the goal.
Just over two minutes later, Bristedt pocketed his second goal of the year with a power-play tally at 12:38 with feeds from Connor Reilly and Vinni Lettieri. Minnesota ended the night 2-for-5 while on the advantage while the penalty kill went 4-for-5.
Kloos brought the Gophers back to even with his second goal of the year at 4:11 of the third period after being set up by Jack Sadek and Taylor Cammarata. The senior captain ended the night with two points - a goal and an assist.
Bristedt then made the most of Minnesota's only shot on goal in the added session, sending home the deciding goal at 1:57 off a centering pass from Rem Pitlick.
In net, Eric Schierhorn improved to 3-2-0 on the season, making 19 saves in Friday's victory.
The Gophers close out this weekend's New York road trip with a 6 p.m. CT game at No. 18 St. Lawrence (Appleton Arena in Canton, N.Y.) on Saturday.
-Pride on Ice-
