University of Minnesota Athletics
MINNESOTA CLINCHES TOP THREE WITH 4-0 VICTORY OVER UMD
2/25/2001 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
As opposed to last night, Minnesota jumped ahead first. Matt Koalska broke a five-game scoreless streak with his power-play goal at 7:48. Paul Martin and Troy Riddle assisted. Jordan Leopold increased the lead to 2-0 with his goal at 16:25 in the first.
The second period provided the fireworks. In the second, Erik Westrum was taken down on a stick penalty. During the delayed penalty, Westrum got up and found himself behind the UMD defense. Johnny Pohl found Westrum and with a Bulldog defender trailing, he beat UMD goaltender Rob Anderson to give Minnesota a 3-0 lead.
Jeff Taffe added insurance in the second period as he slapped home a rebound off of Troy Riddle's shot at 18:01. The goal gave Minnesota a commanding 4-0 lead.
The third period was a stalemate as junior Adam Hauser recorded his seventh career shutout which tied him for first place all-time in Golden Gopher hockey history.
With the win, Minnesota keeps its hopes alive for the WCHA regular season title. The Golden Gophers need a sweep of St. Cloud State next weekend to gain share of the regular season title.
