Netminder Tuula Puputti stopped all 26 Ohio State shots as top-seeded Minnesota-Duluth captured its second consecutive WCHA playoff title, defeating OSU 3-0 Saturday night at the Rochester Recreation Center.
The Buckeyes outshot the Bulldogs, 12-6, in the first stanza but were unable to convert. Rather, UMD center Erika Holst tallied first, on the power play at 3:46 from Sanna Peura and Hanne Sikio.
The goal was the first OSU netminder April Stojak had given up in over 230 minutes of play and the first power-play goal the Buckeyes have allowed since Feb. 17.
Neither team was able to score in the penalty-laden second period. Ohio State, whistled for four penalties, was able to kill off a 5-on-3 disadvantage nine minutes in. The Bulldogs outshot the Buckeyes, 10-4.
At 7:48 in the third, Maria Rooth gave the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead, and Rooth struck again with her second goal of the contest at 12:19 from Navada Russell to seal the UMD victory and the championship.
Stojak had 20 saves for Ohio State.
