Bemidji State stunned No. 2 Minnesota, scoring with an extra attacker with six seconds to play in regulation, then continuing a strong performance from goaltender Anik Cote in overtime to pick up a 2-2 tie.
It marks just the second time in the 11-game history of the series Minnesota has failed to defeat BSU; the Beavers and Gophers also tied 2-2 in Game 1 of a two-game series in Minneapolis, Nov. 10.
Bemidji State got on the board first, getting a power-play goal from Kerri McEwen, her 10th goal of the year, at 17:10 of the first period. That was just the second time BSU had scored the game’s first goal against Minnesota, and after holding the Gophers scoreless for the final 2:50 of the frame to follow marked BSU’s first-ever first-intermission lead over Minnesota.
The Gophers turned up the heat in the second period, outshooting BSU 20-11 and scoring twice on the power play. Laura Slominski, who had a hat trick against BSU in the last meeting between the two teams, netted her 11th goal of the year at 7:20 following a holding call on BSU’ s Jenny Schnickel. Ronda Curtin then put the Gophers ahead 2-1 with her ninth goal of the year, capitalizing on a crosschecking call against BSU’s Kristie Hofer, at the 14:44 mark of the second period.
The teams remained scoreless until BSU’s Amber Fryklund netted the game-tying goal with just six seconds to play. BSU called a time out at 18:51 of the third period and pulled Cote for an extra attacker. The Gophers shot wide on two attempts at BSU’s empty net, but the Beavers kept the puck in their zone.
After recording three saves against BSU’s extra-man attack, Minnesota’s Brenda Reinen allowed Fryklund’s game-tying tally from her left, with Fryklund parked right outside the crease.
The teams skated to a scoreless overtime period, with Cote saving four shots and Reinen three, as the teams skated to a Game 1 draw for the second time this year.
Cote turned in perhaps the finest afternoon of her career in net, starting over Bre Dedrickson by decision of the coaching staff. She rolled up a season-high 39 saves and both goals allowed came on Minnesota power-play chances. She survived a five-on-three power-play opportunity and saved all 11 shots she faced in the third period and overtime as BSU picked up a huge WCHA point.
“The first period was nice because I could see all the shots,” Cote said. “The girls did a good job. We had a few bad penalties in the second period and they killed us. With a goal with six seconds left, we’ll take the tie — but tomorrow we want a win.”
Bemidji State improves to 8-7-5 with the win and improves to 5-6-4 in WCHA play. BSU’s 14 points in WCHA play establish a new school record, breaking the previous record of 13 points set last season (6-17-1, 13 points). Minnesota drops to 14-2-5, 9-2-2 in WCHA play but keeps its unbeaten streak alive at 15 consecutive games. Minnesota has now tied its last three opponents, and has not lost a game since Oct. 27, 2001 at Niagara.
