Minnesota was only able to get two of 49 shots past Minnesota State-Mankato goalie Shari Vogt, but it was enough for a 2-1 victory over the Mavericks at All Seasons Arena.
Ronda Curtin gave the Gophers the lead with two minutes, 40 seconds to play in the opening period but the Gophers could not find the back of the net again until the final period of play.
Leading by a goal and outshooting Mankato 38-12, the Gophers got off a flurry of shots on the power play, resulting in Ambria Thomas’ team-leading sixth goal of the season at 7:31.
The Mavericks came back when Tristin Stephenson converted a rebound during a 5-on-3 power play with 6:58 left in the game.
The two teams finish their two-game series at 2:35 p.m. Saturday at the Midwest Wireless Center.
