Gophers and Eagles End in 2-2 Stalemate on Friday
The No. 12-ranked Golden Gophers faced off against No. 11/10 Boston College on Friday at the 3M Arena at Mariucci. The match ended in a 2-2 stalemate, with both teams putting forth strong performances.
Key Match Highlights
- Scorers: Javon Moore and Brodie Ziemer netted goals for Minnesota, while LJ Mooney and Tanner Ludtke scored in the shootout.
- Goaltending: Nathan Airey excelled in goal for the Gophers, making 29 saves throughout regulation and stopping both shootout attempts from BC.
- Overall Records: Minnesota now holds a record of 1-2-1, while Boston College stands at 1-1-1.
Game Progression
The match started with Boston College applying early pressure. Airtight defense from Airey allowed him to secure five saves in the first five minutes. The Gophers thought they scored first, but the goal was disallowed due to a penalty.
A power play for Boston College resulted in a one-timer from the left circle, giving them a 1-0 lead. However, Minnesota responded quickly with a goal from Moore, who scored on a rebound to tie the game at 1-1.
Shortly after, the Gophers capitalized on a power-play opportunity, with Ziemer scoring their second goal, putting Minnesota ahead 2-1.
Late Game Tensions
The final period saw both teams intensifying their efforts. An odd-man rush led to BC tying the game 2-2 with less than five minutes remaining in regulation. Despite Minnesota’s attempts in the closing minutes, the contest remained tied, leading to overtime.
Shooting and Penalty Comparison
| Team | Shots on Goal | Power Plays | Power Play Success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gophers | 33 | 3 | 1/3 |
| Eagles | 31 | 3 | 1/3 |
Coaching Insights
Head coach Bob Motzko praised his team’s resilience. “The guys did not get frustrated. They buckled down and did it the old-fashioned way,” he commented after the game. The team’s high energy and competitive spirit were evident throughout.
Next Steps for the Gophers
Looking ahead, the Golden Gophers will travel to Grand Forks, North Dakota, for a non-conference series against their rivals on October 17-18. Fans can watch live on FOX9+ and listen via the Gopher Radio Network.
