Natalie Mlynkova's 2 goals enough for Gophers win over Bemidji State
The No. 3 Minnesota Golden Gophers women's hockey team won its third consecutive WCHA game, thanks to two early goals from Natalie Mlynkova in a 2-1 win over Bemidji State on Friday.
The win moves Minnesota's record to 7-3-1 overall and 3-3-1 against WCHA opponents this season. Meanwhile, the Beavers drop to 1-9-1 overall and haven't won a game against a conference opponent yet, going 0-7-0.
Mlynkova, a fifth-year senior, scored both goals in the first period to put Minnesota up 2-0 entering the first intermission.
The first goal came just after five minutes into the game and the next came with around three minutes remaining in the period. Sydney Morrow and Ava Lindsay assisted on the first goal and Ella Huber and Abbey Murphy assisted on the second.
"She was good, especially in the first," Gophers head coach Brad Frost said about Mlynkova. "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."
Minnesota outshot the Beavers 14-1 in shots on goal in the first period alone.
The Gophers had a rough second period as penalties were their demise, putting them shorthanded three times. One of the power play opportunities, Bemidji State capitalized, as Izzy Fairchild scored with just under seven minutes remaining in the period.
Minnesota saw more shorthanded play in the third period as they were down a player twice. However, the Gophers held on as great defensive play and goaltending from freshman Hannah Clark were the difference in the victory.
Clark notched her third career win on her fifth career start, recording 18 saves and a .947 save percentage.
"Gutted it out there. 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," Frost said.
The Gophers have now won 23 consecutive games against Bemidji State. Both teams will do it again on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT at Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minn.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers women's hockey team celebrates after going up 2-0 against Bemidji State on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 in Bemidji, Minn. The Gophers would win the game 2-1.
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