Gophers Pull Out Overtime Win

POTSDAM, N.Y. (GopherSports.com) – Leon Bristedt’s second goal of the night capped a four-goal swing for the No. 12 Gopher Hockey program as Minnesota rallied from a three-goal deficit to beat Clarkson 4-3 in overtime on Friday night at Cheel Arena.

Making its first-ever appearance at Clarkson’s home rink, Minnesota improved to 4-0-0 all-time against the Golden Knights although Friday’s win proved to be a battle for the Maroon & Gold.

After surrendering a three-goal lead in the first period, the Gophers dominated the pace of play for the rest of the contest, scoring four-unanswered goals and outshooting the Golden Knights 25-11 in the final three stanzas after both teams put 11 shots on goal in the first period.

A pair of quick power-play chances in the second period brought Minnesota back to life on Friday night.

Mike Szmatula cut into the lead with his second goal of the year, lifting home a loose puck at 10:35 of the second period – just 10 seconds into the start of a power-play chance for the Gophers. Tommy Novak and Justin Kloos assisted on the goal.

Just over two minutes later, Bristedt pocketed his second goal of the year with a power-play tally at 12:38 with feeds from Connor Reilly and Vinni Lettieri. Minnesota ended the night 2-for-5 while on the advantage while the penalty kill went 4-for-5.

Kloos brought the Gophers back to even with his second goal of the year at 4:11 of the third period after being set up by Jack Sadek and Taylor Cammarata. The senior captain ended the night with two points – a goal and an assist.

Bristedt then made the most of Minnesota’s only shot on goal in the added session, sending home the deciding goal at 1:57 off a centering pass from Rem Pitlick.

In net, Eric Schierhorn improved to 3-2-0 on the season, making 19 saves in Friday’s victory.

The Gophers close out this weekend’s New York road trip with a 6 p.m. CT game at No. 18 St. Lawrence (Appleton Arena in Canton, N.Y.) tonight.  Pre-game coverage begins at 5:30  on KROC AM.