In the 275th matchup of a 94-year rivalry, the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's hockey team shut out the Wisconsin Badgers, 4-0, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis., for the 31st time.
Despite the lack of offense, Wisconsin (4-11-6, 1-6-2-1 Big Ten) had plenty of chances, outshooting Minnesota 29-25.
Minnesota (12-10-0 overall, 7-2-0-0 Big Ten) continued its productive offensive streak for a fifth straight win, following up last weekend's home sweep over Michigan State. The Gophers haven't lost in regulation since Dec. 11 at Michigan.
Wisconsin has gone without a regulation win since Jan. 1.
"We scored some goals, that's probably the best part, and the goalie was good. I can't say that was our 'A' game, but sometimes you've got to find a way to win," Gophers head coach Don Lucia told WIBA-AM 1310. "We made it a little bit harder than maybe we should have tonight. Some pucks went in, (Gophers starting goaltender Eric) Schierhorn made some really good saves in the second period when they had a little push on us. It's always nice when you get that first goal and you can play with the lead."
That first goal was a backhanded rebound on the power-play by junior forward Hudson Fasching with 5:48 left in the first. Fasching, a Burnsville native, has points in nine of the last 11 games for the Gophers. Michael Brodzinski and Connor Reilly earned points on the play.
The border rivals started off the second period with a tangle between Gophers defenseman Michael Brodzinski and Badgers forward Luke Kunin. Then, Badgers defenseman Patrick Sexton scuffled with Gophers defenseman Nick Seeler. The scrum energized the fans and led to a bit of four-on-four hockey, but the Badgers weren't able to build momentum. With both teams back a full strength, Gophers defenseman Steve Johnson grabbed his second goal of the season on a one-timer off an odd man rush. Justin Kloos and Connor Reilly had assists. It was the 12th goal by a Gophers defenseman this season.
Kloos scored another short-handed goal for the Gophers, leaving Badgers freshman goaltender Matt Jurusik scratching his head. Assists went to Brodzinski and Connor Reilly.
Schierhorn took a puck to the face mask and was momentarily replaced by Brock Kautz before returning with 4:26 left in the second.
The teams face off again for the finale of the two-game border battle showdown Saturday at 7 p.m. CT.
