University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
7-3-1, 3-3-1
Bemidji State
1-9-1, 0-7-0
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Mlynkova Scores Twice in Minnesota’s Friday Win Over Bemidji State
11/1/2024 6:34:00 PM | Women's Hockey
BEMIDJI, MINN. - The No. 3 ranked Golden Gopher women's hockey team picked up its third-straight WCHA conference win in Friday's 2-1 game on the road against Bemidji State. Minnesota moves to a 7-3-1 (3-3-1 WCHA) record on the season.
Fifth-year forward Natalie Mlynkova led the way for the Gophers in the first period, scoring two goals on three shots to bring Minnesota up 2-0 heading into first intermission. Mlynkova's first goal, assisted by Sydney Morrow and Ava Lindsay, came on a power play less than five minutes into the period. The goal marked Mlynkova's first power play score in Maroon and Gold and 13th in her career. She scored her second goal of the period with 5:01 left to play, assisted by Ella Huber and Abbey Murphy. Huber notched her 99th career point on her assist to Mlynkova. Through the end of the first period, Minnesota led Bemidji State 14-1 in shots on goal.
Penalties hampered Minnesota heavily in the second period as the Gophers found themselves shorthanded three times. Bemidji State capitalized with an Izzy Fairchild power play goal with under seven minutes left, cutting the Maroon & Gold lead to one heading into second intermission. The Beavers also outshot the Gophers 8-4 throughout the period.
The third period saw more shorthanded action for Minnesota as they sent a player to the penalty box twice, including freshman forward Kendra Distad for the Gophers' first five-minute major of the season. Still, Minnesota held the Beavers scoreless through both penalties and the overall period, clinching a 2-1 victory to finish the day.
Freshman goaltender Hannah Clark picked up her third career win on her fifth career start, recording 18 saves and a .947 save percentage.
Quotable:
"Gutted it out there," said head coach Brad Frost. "Particularly in the third, killing off that five minute penalty and then the minor penalty there at the end. Showed some good heart during those times, with some blocked shots and good saves. That was great to help us preserve the win."
Additional Quote from Coach Frost:
On Natalie Mlynkova
"She was good, especially in the first. Just a great shot there, on the rush, on the power play, and then driving the net. Things we talk about all the time. Pucks will find you there, really nice hands to put that one away."
Notable:
- Minnesota won its 23rd consecutive game against Bemidji State.
- Natalie Mlynkova tallied her second multi-goal performance in three games.
- Natalie Mlynkova extended her point streak to four consecutive games.
- Ella Huber reached 99 career points with her assist on Mlynkova's second goal.
- Abbey Murphy recorded her team-leading 14th point on the season with her assist on Mlynkova's second goal.
- Abbey Murphy has tallied a point in nine of Minnesota's eleven games this season.
- Sydney Morrow extended her point streak to four consecutive games.
- Minnesota outshot Bemidji State 27-19.
- Minnesota holds a record of 6-1 when the Gophers score first.
Up Next:
The Gophers will return to Sanford Center tomorrow, Nov. 2, at 2:00 p.m. CT to close out the weekend's series against Bemidji State.