The top-ranked University of Minnesota hockey team had a chance to help its coach reach a career milestone Friday night at Michigan Tech.
Alas, coach Don Lucia's 600th career win celebration will have to wait at least one more night.
Michigan Tech bolted to an early 3-1 lead and was rarely threatened as the host Huskies upset the Gophers, 5-3, in Houghton, Mich.
The game's key stretch occurred late in the first period, as Michigan Tech (2-1-0) tallied a pair of goals within a 22-second span. Dennis Rix capped that stretch when he slammed home a goal from point-blank range to give the Huskies a 3-1 advantage.
"We executed pretty well. We put pressure on them," Michigan Tech coach Mel Pearson said. "And, we got some bounces tonight."
Minnesota (2-1-0) closed to within 3-2 early in the second period, when sniper Nick Bjugstad posted his third goal of the young season. But Michigan Tech continued its offensive onslaught shortly thereafter and saw its lead swell to 5-2 late in the second period, when Blake Pietila scored his fourth goal in the last three games.
Minnesota's only late highlight came courtesy of Travis Boyd, who scored his second goal of the season on a power play with 2:11 remaining. Yet, it was too little, too late for the top-ranked visitors.
"Michigan Tech played very well," Lucia said. "We've got to start better. We have to do a much better job."
The Gophers and Huskies will meet again at 6 p.m. Saturday in another game set to be televised on FOX Sports North.
"We've got to have a better first period if we're going to give ourselves a chance (Saturday)," Lucia said.
