No matter the team’s record, the border battle always brings intensity among players and the fans follow suit.

A sellout crowd at 3M Arena at Mariucci were ecstatic to witness the Gophers finally snap their eight consecutive game streak without a win over the No. 8 University of Wisconsin.

Head coach Bob Motzko said there were too many games where they could not maintain a lead, both games against Wisconsin changed that. Minnesota stayed consistent for three periods. The Gophers won the first game 4-1 and the second 8-4.

Standout Performances

Though sophomore Brodie Ziemer had a strong performance in game one, he dominated in the second. While on the penalty kill, freshman L.J. Mooney stole the puck from the Badgers, passed it to sophomore Brodie Ziemer who scored immediately.

An impressive through the legs goal gave Ziemer his second goal of the game. The crowd was buzzing and Ziemer said the team fed off that energy.

A three-goal first period by the Gophers in the second game made Wisconsin switch their goalies, but junior Luca Di Pasquo for the Gophers remained strong. Di Pasquo made 27 saves in the first game.

Sophomore Erik Påhlsson had just two goals on the season before the series and walked away with three against Wisconsin. His unexpected contribution helped the Gophers maintain strength for all 60 minutes and hit a season-high seven goals.

Game Changer

The series was all about cashing in on the power play. Minnesota and Wisconsin are both tied for fourth in the NCAA on power play goals and it showed.

The Gophers scored their first two goals of the series on the power play and broke open the scoring in the second game with a power play goal. Senior Brody Lamb capitalized less than a minute into the penalty.

“Just a lot of trust in each other,” Ziemer said when asked about the continued success on the power play.

Three of the five goals in the first game were power play goals and the trend continued into the second, when Minnesota was able to score on every power play opportunity.

Going Forward

Consistency and intensity are key. Minnesota proved that they were capable of both in their showdown with Wisconsin. Their last four regular season series will not be easy, playing No. 1 University of Michigan and No. 2 Michigan State University, but if they can play the same way they did against Wisconsin and stay persistent on the power play they can end on a high note.

What’s Next

The Gophers continue Big Ten competition, facing Ohio State University at home this Friday and Saturday.