MINNEAPOLIS -- The Gophers made a hard-charging comeback bid late, but came up just short Saturday, dropping a 4-3 decision to Notre Dame in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game.
Fifth-ranked Notre Dame led, 4-1, late, before No. 3 Minnesota got late tallies from Nick Bjugstad and Zach Budish.
Alas, the Irish snuffed out the hosts' late charge, dropping the Gophers' overall record to 15-7-1.
Notre Dame (13-6-3) controlled things much of the night at Mariucci Arena, where 10,242 fans passed through the turnstiles. The visiting Irish seized their 4-1 lead by midway through the final period, when Jeff Costello scored an even-strength goal.
Notre Dame had surprising success against Minnesota's star netminder, Kent Patterson. Patterson was limited to just 26 saves on the evening. Irish goalie Steven Summerhays, conversely, stood on his head at times, and ended the night with 31 saves.
Minnesota's main highlights came courtesy of Ben Marshall and Nate Condon, who produced two assists apiece.
This Hall of Fame Game was filled with whistles at times, and 11 total penalties were called on the night.
The Gophers return to action next Friday, when they'll visit WCHA rival North Dakota at 7:37 p.m.
