Domination has been the story of Minnesota women’s hockey so far this season and the trend continued Friday night as the Gophers (7-0-0, 7-0-0 WCHA) overpowered Minnesota State (0-4-1, 0-4-1 WCHA) to pick up a 6-1 victory in front of 411 fans at All Seasons Arena.
The No. 1 Gophers outplayed the Mavericks from beginning to end, forcing MSU to play scrambling defense for the majority of the game. Minnesota junior forward Krissy Wendell caused much of that scrambling with a hat trick.
“We can’t play in fear,” said Minnesota State coach Jeff Vizenor. “Right now we’re so paralyzed by fear of what they could do, that we’re not playing our game.”
Wendell opened the scoring just 31 seconds into the game. She gathered up the puck at the blue line and outskated the Minnesota State defenders to the net and finished with a perfectly placed shot between the legs of MSU freshman goaltender Brit Kehler.
“I thought it was important to attack early and try to set the tone for the rest of the game,” Wendell said.
Riding a 3-0 lead into the third period, the Gophers didn’t stop attacking. Just 3:46 into the third period, Wendell completed her hat trick on a short-handed breakaway to take away all hopes of a Maverick comeback.
“[Wendell’s] the best player in the world,” Vizenor said. “I coached her out in Lake Placid this summer and she was the best player on the ice.”
Minnesota junior forward Natalie Darwitz added another shorthanded goal with 8:20 remaining in the game to stretch the lead to 5-0. Only two of the Gophers’ goals came at even strength.
“Special teams are the name of the game,” Vizenor said. “Those short-handed goals rip your heart out.”
Down 6-0 in the third period, Minnesota State was finally able to capitalize on a power play opportunity as MSU junior forward Kate Hainrich slapped a rebound past Minnesota senior goaltender Jody Horak with 2:52 remaining in the game.
“It’s always nice to get a goal – it’s something we can build from,” Vizenor said. “But I don’t think there’s anyone in that locker room that’s happy with one goal.”
One of the lone bright spots for the Mavericks was the play of Kehler, who made 33 saves despite being under attack all night. In three games this season, Kehler has made 89 saves for an .881 save percentage.
“I thought their goalie played great,” Wendell said. “She made a bunch of tough saves.”
With the six goals against the Mavericks, Minnesota has now scored 45 goals in just seven games, while only allowing five.
“I thought the key for us was the good start,” said Minnesota coach Laura Halldorson said. “That gave us a big lift. I thought we just kept the momentum going and it was one of our better games this year.”
The winless Mavericks will look to rebound as the two teams meet again Saturday night at 7:05 in All-Seasons Arena.
