The fourth-ranked Minnesota hockey squad made quick work of host Vermont Friday, in a 5-1 victory. It was Minnesota's first five-goal game since the season's opening weekend.
Minnesota sprinted to a prompt, 3-1 lead by early in the second period, when Zach Budish lit the lamp. Nick Bjugstad then essentially sealed the Gophers' win soon after, when he bolted out of the penalty box and scored on a breakaway.
The visiting Gophers (8-2-2) owned a 28-17 advantage in shots on goal through two periods, keying their offensive onslaught.
"We wanted to get a lot of shots to the net -- I thought we did a good job tonight," said Minnesota's Mike Reilly, after scoring the first goal of his collegiate career.
The visitors also got two points from Kyle Rau, along with 22 saves from netminder Adam Wilcox. Vermont (2-6-2) was led by Brody Hoffman's 30 saves.
Minnesota and Vermont return to action Saturday at 6 p.m., in another game set to be televised on FOX Sports North.
