University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
24-8-1, 18-8-1
Minnesota Duluth
18-12-3, 14-10-3
Team Stats
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
Gophers Comeback Falls Short in OT Loss to Bulldogs
2/20/2026 10:57:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – The No. 3-ranked University of Minnesota women's hockey team mounted a third-period comeback but ultimately fell 3-2 in overtime to No. 10 Minnesota Duluth on Friday night at Ridder Arena. The Gophers tied the game midway through the final frame before UMD scored the game-winner with 1:41 remaining in overtime.
Madison Kaiser opened the scoring for the Golden Gophers, netting the game's first goal just 3:27 into the first period. After a blocked shot from Gracie Graham, Kaiser skated onto a loose puck in the slot and fired a blocker-side shot into the top-left corner of the net.
UMD responded less than four minutes later, evening the score at 1-1 heading into the first intermission.
Following an evenly played start to the second period, the Bulldogs capitalized at the 7:24 mark to take their first lead of the night.
Minnesota broke through again midway through the third. On a two-on-one rush, Jamie Nelson sent a low shot off the goaltender's blocker. Ava Lindsay crashed the slot, gathered the rebound and lifted home the equalizer with 9:30 remaining in regulation.
The teams skated through the remainder of the third period scoreless to force overtime.
UMD secured the victory with the golden goal, scoring with 1:41 left in the extra session to claim the two WCHA points.
With the result, Minnesota moves to 24-8-1 overall and 18-8-1 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play. The Bulldogs improve to 18-12-3 overall and 14-10-3 in conference action.
Notable
- Lindsay scored her 15th goal of the season.
- Kaiser tallied her fifth goal of the year and continues to build on her career-high 21-point season.
- Minnesota dropped its third consecutive game for the first time since Feb. 8-14, 2025.
- Nelli Laitinen and Tereza Plosová appeared in their first games since Jan. 24, returning from Olympic competition.
Up Next
The two teams return to action again tomorrow afternoon at Ridder Arena. The 'U' and UMD are set to square off the regular season finale at 2:00 p.m. CT. Catch all the action live on B1G+.