Golden Gophers bested by Michigan at home in Big Ten Championship

(ABC 6 Sports) — Golden Gophers men’s hockey looked like it’d be in for a gritty battle until Michigan took control in the second period.

Minnesota’s chances of repeating as Big Ten champions were dashed in frustrating fashion Saturday as the Wolverines defeated the Gophers on the road 4-3 to take the conference crown.

The game had the making of a classic when both teams tied the score at 1-1 only 1:17 into the contest, the Gophers’ Jaxon Nelson and the Wolverines’ Brendan Brisson keeping both programs at an even level.

However, Michigan’s Mackie Samoskevich got a break when his shot bounced off Minnesota’s Mike Koster and into the net for a 2-1 lead late in the first period. Dylan Duke nabbed himself a goal for the Wolverines 2:07 into the second period as Kent Johnson added a third goal 7:32 in.

Matthew Knies scored two garbage-time goals for the Gophers in the game’s final minute but it was too little too late.

The silver lining for Minnesota is that it will still play in the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament. Head coach Bob Motzko’s team awaits its official placing on Sunday.