Gophers Drop Opener, 3-2, to Wisconsin

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Chances, chances, and more chances, but the Gophers couldn’t find a bounce after the first minute of the game. Despite outshooting Wisconsin 38-18, Minnesota was snakebit, falling 3-2 in the series opener.

Chances

Have I mentioned chances? It’s truly hard to overstate how many good looks the Gophers had in the game. Wide open nets, bouncing pucks in front, and a shot that skirted along the the length of the goal line and back. Minnesota got a lucky bounce for their first goal, but after that, the Gophers couldn't buy a tally.

“We had some wide-rights, that’s for sure,” said Don Lucia.

Well said, Coach.

Special Teams

The Gophers went a dismal 0-2 on the power play while giving up a short-handed goal. On the other hand, Wisconsin capitalized, going 1-4 including the eventual game-winner.

“We dropped one on the power play, turned it over for a two-on-one,” said Lucia. “They’re good players and they converted on that. That was really the difference in the game was they beat us in the speciality teams tonight.”

Vinni Scores Twice

Senior Vinni Lettieri was noticeable throughout the game. He scored Minnesota’s only two goals and generated 8(!) shots on net. He made a quick impact when under a minute into the first, he went behind the Wisconsin goal line and flung the puck against the goalie’s back and into the net to ignite the crowd.

“That’s always been one of the things I was taught,” said Lettieri. “The goalies aren’t really ready. They’re trying to get their angle back but they’re not really ready for the puck to hit them. Whenever those instances happen, you just gotta put it at his back and hopefully it hits him.”

By the Numbers

29 Blocks for the Badgers. At times, it looked like the Gophers were just aiming at shinpads.

36 Saves for goalie Jack Berry who kept the lead with some impressive saves late in the game.

2 Shots on all four power plays for Wisconsin, and of course they score on one.

Three Stars

3 Trent Frederic scored Wisconsin’s first goal. But he wears No. 34 as a skater in college hockey which should discredit every goal he ever scores. Leave the 30’s to the goalies, bud.

2 Vinni Lettieri scored Minnesota’s only two goals.

1 Ryan Wagner had the game-winning goal and an assist.

What’s Next?

The two teams are back at tomorrow at 7pm on FSN+. Now tied in the standings, winner takes control of the Big Ten lead.
 

Tough loss puts us in an almost must win situation tonight. Wisconsin has improved greatly in one year but we are still the better team. Ski-U-MAH!
 

The Wisconsin goalie was just on fire last night. Seemed like the Gophers were having trouble with accuracy as well. Really need to win tonight.
 




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