University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
24-10-1
St. Cloud State
12-21-2
Team Stats
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
Huskies Edge Gophers in Overtime, Take Game One of WCHA Quarterfinal Series
2/27/2026 9:07:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – The 4th-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers women's ice hockey dropped a 1-0 overtime decision to the St. Cloud State Huskies women's ice hockey in Game One of the opening round of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs Friday night at Ridder Arena, despite a dominant effort in the shot column.
The two teams skated to a scoreless opening period, but Abbey Murphy made her presence felt immediately in her return from Olympic action.
Murphy created a pair of prime scoring chances in the first period, skating in on a breakaway and pulling the puck between her legs before ringing a shot off the right post. Just over three minutes later, she struck iron again, this time catching the left pipe. Minnesota carried a 10-7 advantage in shots on goal into the first intermission.
The game remained scoreless through 40 minutes. The teams skated through two stretches of four-on-four play following coincidental minor penalties, but neither side capitalized. Minnesota controlled the second period, outshooting St. Cloud State 18-5 in the frame.
Neither team broke through in regulation, sending the game to five-on-five sudden-death overtime. The Gophers again dictated play, holding a 12-5 edge in shots during the extra session.
St. Cloud State ended the game at the 4:50 mark of overtime, converting off an offensive-zone faceoff to score the lone goal of the contest.
With the loss, Minnesota must win the final two games of the best-of-three opening-round series to advance in the conference tournament.
Quotable
"Super disappointed in the result," said head coach Brad Frost. "We're struggling to score right now, but we outshot them two-to-one with 40 shots on net. Their goalie was tremendous, certainly give her credit. We've got to find a way. Down one-to-zero in the series, our backs are against the wall and we've got to find a way to put some home here tomorrow."
Notable
- Minnesota played its third consecutive overtime game.
- Murphy led all skaters with nine shots on goal.
- Hannah Clark made 19 saves.
- Murphy moved into a tie for eighth in program history in career games played.
- Minnesota was shutout for the first time since Oct. 18, 2024.Â
Up Next
The teams meet again Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. CT at Ridder Arena in Game Two of the best-of-three opening-round series. The game will air on FOX9+ and stream on B1G+.