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Photo by: Matt Krohn
Top-Five Matchup Awaits Gophers in Columbus
1/27/2022 7:52:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Minnesota looks to repeat last weekend's result against WCHA-leaders Ohio State.
MINNEAPOLIS – The No. 2/4 Golden Gopher women's hockey team travels to Columbus for a date with another top-five foe in Ohio State. OSU Ice Rink will play host to Friday's contest which begins at 5:00 pm CST and Saturday's contest at 2:00 pm CST.
Last Time Out: Gophers Sweep the Border Battle
The Gophers (19-6-1) completed a sweep over top-ranked Wisconsin for the first time since 2016 at Ridder Arena. On Friday, Madeline Wethington opened the scoring just over halfway through the contest before Daryl Watts tied it up early into Amy Potomak's five-minute major penalty in the third period. Potomak was the hero in the end as she roofed a backhand shot late in the third to give the Gophers a 2-1 victory. Makayla Pahl made 40 saves, the second most in her career, in the win. On Saturday, the Gophers fell behind twice in the first period, but battled back both times to head into the first intermission up 3-2. Senior Taylor Heise added a goal in the second period, which became the eventual game-winner. After allowing a Badger goal early in the third, the 'U' slammed the door and secured the 4-3 victory. Lauren Bench stopped 30 shots for her seventh victory of the season. The Border Battle sweep was the first for Minnesota since 2016 and the first time Wisconsin was swept overall since 2018. The Gophers finish the regular season unbeaten (3-0-1) against the Badgers for the first time since 2014-15.
Scouting Ohio State
Ohio State (18-4-0) has not fallen from the top three spots in the national rankings all season. After sweeping the Gophers to start the season, the Buckeyes have won or split every series, but one - a road sweep at the hands of Wisconsin. Ohio State is coming off of a series split at home with Minnesota Duluth. After getting shut out on Friday for the first time all season, the Buckeyes bounced back for a 3-1 victory to split the series. Ohio State is led in scoring by five-time WCHA Defender of the Week, Sophie Jacques, who ranks third in the nation with 39 points (15g-24a). With usual starting goaltender, Andrea Braendli, off to the Olympics, sophomore Amanda Thiele has become the main netminder. The sophomore from Michigan has a 6-1-0 record this season with a 1.06 goals against average and a .944 save percentage.
First Period Emphasis
Through 26 games so far this season, Minnesota has scored first in 21 of them. The Maroon and Gold are 16-4-1 in games where they find the back of the net first and 3-2-0 in games in which the opponent scores first. Senior forward Taylor Heise leads the team with six opening goals this season, including two goals inside the opening 40 seconds. The first 20 minutes have proven pivotal to Minnesota's success this season. When leading after the first period, the Gophers are 16-0-1. When trailing or tied after the first period, the Gophers are 3-6-0.
Scarlet and Gray Scoring
Ohio State ranks best in the nation in scoring offense as the WCHA-rivals have averaged over five goals per game this season. The Buckeyes also own the nation's top power-play unit, which is currently converting at a 36.2% percent clip. Through 22 games this season, the Buckeyes have posted the best goal differential by averaging 3.55 more goals than their opponents per game.
WCHA Honors
Senior forward Taylor Heise was named WCHA Forward of the Week for the first time this season, and third time in her career, after her game-winning goal on Saturday. She joined Abigail Boreen as the only two Gophers to earn the honor this season. Freshman Ella Huber became the third straight Minnesota freshman to earn WCHA Rookie of the Week after also tallying a crucial goal on Saturday. It is the first WCHA honor of her career.
Scoring Milestones on the Horizon
Senior Taylor Heise is Minnesota's active career scoring leader with 137 career points (55g-82a) in 121 career games. Redshirt senior Amy Potomak (45g-54a) became the second active Gopher to reach the 100 career point milestone on Friday. Senior Emily Oden (25g-57a) is the next closest to the century mark. Fifth-year Emily Brown (18g-60a) is closing in on 80 career points. Fifth-year Olivia Knowles (15g-53a) and senior Abigail Boreen (29g-35a) are nearing 70 career points.
25th Season
The 2021-22 season marks the 25th season of Gopher women's hockey. To celebrate the first quarter-century of Gopher women's hockey, Minnesota will wear special '25 seasons' patches on their jerseys among other celebrations throughout the season.
Quest for Eighth National Title Continues
Minnesota has won seven national championships (2000, 2004, 2005, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016) and looks for a historic eighth title national crown in 2021-22.
Last Time Out: Gophers Sweep the Border Battle
The Gophers (19-6-1) completed a sweep over top-ranked Wisconsin for the first time since 2016 at Ridder Arena. On Friday, Madeline Wethington opened the scoring just over halfway through the contest before Daryl Watts tied it up early into Amy Potomak's five-minute major penalty in the third period. Potomak was the hero in the end as she roofed a backhand shot late in the third to give the Gophers a 2-1 victory. Makayla Pahl made 40 saves, the second most in her career, in the win. On Saturday, the Gophers fell behind twice in the first period, but battled back both times to head into the first intermission up 3-2. Senior Taylor Heise added a goal in the second period, which became the eventual game-winner. After allowing a Badger goal early in the third, the 'U' slammed the door and secured the 4-3 victory. Lauren Bench stopped 30 shots for her seventh victory of the season. The Border Battle sweep was the first for Minnesota since 2016 and the first time Wisconsin was swept overall since 2018. The Gophers finish the regular season unbeaten (3-0-1) against the Badgers for the first time since 2014-15.
Scouting Ohio State
Ohio State (18-4-0) has not fallen from the top three spots in the national rankings all season. After sweeping the Gophers to start the season, the Buckeyes have won or split every series, but one - a road sweep at the hands of Wisconsin. Ohio State is coming off of a series split at home with Minnesota Duluth. After getting shut out on Friday for the first time all season, the Buckeyes bounced back for a 3-1 victory to split the series. Ohio State is led in scoring by five-time WCHA Defender of the Week, Sophie Jacques, who ranks third in the nation with 39 points (15g-24a). With usual starting goaltender, Andrea Braendli, off to the Olympics, sophomore Amanda Thiele has become the main netminder. The sophomore from Michigan has a 6-1-0 record this season with a 1.06 goals against average and a .944 save percentage.
First Period Emphasis
Through 26 games so far this season, Minnesota has scored first in 21 of them. The Maroon and Gold are 16-4-1 in games where they find the back of the net first and 3-2-0 in games in which the opponent scores first. Senior forward Taylor Heise leads the team with six opening goals this season, including two goals inside the opening 40 seconds. The first 20 minutes have proven pivotal to Minnesota's success this season. When leading after the first period, the Gophers are 16-0-1. When trailing or tied after the first period, the Gophers are 3-6-0.
Scarlet and Gray Scoring
Ohio State ranks best in the nation in scoring offense as the WCHA-rivals have averaged over five goals per game this season. The Buckeyes also own the nation's top power-play unit, which is currently converting at a 36.2% percent clip. Through 22 games this season, the Buckeyes have posted the best goal differential by averaging 3.55 more goals than their opponents per game.
WCHA Honors
Senior forward Taylor Heise was named WCHA Forward of the Week for the first time this season, and third time in her career, after her game-winning goal on Saturday. She joined Abigail Boreen as the only two Gophers to earn the honor this season. Freshman Ella Huber became the third straight Minnesota freshman to earn WCHA Rookie of the Week after also tallying a crucial goal on Saturday. It is the first WCHA honor of her career.
Scoring Milestones on the Horizon
Senior Taylor Heise is Minnesota's active career scoring leader with 137 career points (55g-82a) in 121 career games. Redshirt senior Amy Potomak (45g-54a) became the second active Gopher to reach the 100 career point milestone on Friday. Senior Emily Oden (25g-57a) is the next closest to the century mark. Fifth-year Emily Brown (18g-60a) is closing in on 80 career points. Fifth-year Olivia Knowles (15g-53a) and senior Abigail Boreen (29g-35a) are nearing 70 career points.
25th Season
The 2021-22 season marks the 25th season of Gopher women's hockey. To celebrate the first quarter-century of Gopher women's hockey, Minnesota will wear special '25 seasons' patches on their jerseys among other celebrations throughout the season.
Quest for Eighth National Title Continues
Minnesota has won seven national championships (2000, 2004, 2005, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016) and looks for a historic eighth title national crown in 2021-22.
WCHA Postseason Hype
Monday, March 02
Highlights: Gophers 6, St. Cloud State 1
Sunday, March 01
Highlights: Gophers 4, St. Cloud State 1
Saturday, February 28
Abbey Murphy Breaks Goals Record
Saturday, February 28