Minnesota Beats Bemidji St. 4-1
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Erik Haula had two goals and an assist to lead Minnesota to a 4-1 win over Bemidji State Saturday in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
Jake Hansen had a goal and an assist for the Golden Gophers (21-11-1, 17-7-0), who added to their lead in the WCHA. The Gophers' win, combined with Minnesota Duluth's 4-4 tie with Minnesota State, Mankato, extends the Gophers' lead to two points over the Bulldogs.
Hansen's deflection for a goal turned out to be the game-winner at 2:05 of the second period.
"We got zero points last week against Denver," Hansen said. "This was huge to come back. The goal was to get four points and we accomplished that."
The Gophers outshot the Beavers 32-22 to sweep the series. Minnesota won 3-0 on Friday on goalie Kent Patterson's seventh shutout of the season. Patterson made 21 saves on Saturday.
"Last night we were up 3-0 and it felt easy," Minnesota coach Don Lucia said. "This never felt easy. The game was a lot harder."
Brad Hunt's power-play goal for Bemidji State at 17:14 of the first period ended Patterson's shutout bid.
Seth Ambroz scored Minnesota's final goal in the third period, officially wiping away any lingering doubts from last weekend's sweep by Denver.
"You can't let last weekend beat you this weekend," Lucia said. "We still control our own destiny."
Dan Bakala made 28 saves for the Beavers (15-14-3, 9-12-3).
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