No. 4 Minnesota Knocks Off Syracuse, 4-0

Saturday, October 1

Minneapolis, MN

8 p.m.

Syracuse University

1-1-0, 0-0-0CHA

#4 Minnesota

2-0-0, 0-0-0WCHA

Syracuse

Minnesota

Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski

10/1/2011 10:11:58 PM | Ice Hockey

Box Score

Box Score | Season Stats

No. 4 Minnesota used a 3-0 first period edge and a 50-10 edge in shots to knock off Syracuse (1-1-0) on Saturday night at Ridder Arena, 4-0. Kallie Billadeau made 46 saves for the Orange while the Gophers (2-0-0) received goals from four different skaters. Syracuse will head to Northeastern and New Hampshire for two games next weekend, beginning Friday at Matthews Arena at 3:00 p.m.

Minnesota was 2-of-7 on the power play, notching man advantage goals in the first and second period. Syracuse was 0-of-4 on the power play and won 31-of-65 faceoffs.

Minnesota, which held an 18-5 shot advantage in the first period, jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period with three goals in less than 10 minutes. The Gophers took an early lead on the power play when Megan Bozek took a low shot on goal that beat Billadeau, who was screened by her own defenseman.

The Gophers extended its lead to two just 35 seconds later when Amanda Kessel capitalized on a Syracuse turnover, beating Billadeau. Minnesota then took a 3-0 lead with 5:21 left in the period as Mira Jalosuo took a shot from the right side through a screen that got through Billadeau.

Minnesota continued to dictate the style of play in the second period, outshooting the Orange 18-2 and adding another goal to take a 4-0 through 40 minutes of play. Cara Johnson had SU's best chance off the night following a turnover in the Gopher defensive zone when a shot short side on Minnesota goaltender Noora Raty.

The Gophers made it 4-0 midway through the frame when Minnesota quickly moved the puck around the perimeter on the power play down to Anne Schleper, who tucked the puck through Billadeau.

Syracuse held Minnesota scoreless during the third period, although the Gophers held a wide shot advantage, 13-3. Minnesota consistently tested Billadeau throughout the final 20 minutes as the sophomore netminder shut down three power play opportunities by the Gophers in the frame.