Minnesota Hockey Stuns Rival Wisconsin In Overtime Thriller
Minnesota Hockey Stuns Rival Wisconsin In Overtime Thriller...
The University of Minnesota men's hockey team defeated archrival Wisconsin 4-3 in overtime late Thursday night, securing a critical win in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. The dramatic victory at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis sends the Gophers to Saturday's championship game against Michigan.
Sophomore forward Jimmy Snuggerud scored the game-winning goal just 1:12 into overtime, sending the sold-out crowd of 10,000 into a frenzy. The win avenges Minnesota's two regular-season losses to Wisconsin and keeps their NCAA tournament hopes alive.
This rivalry matchup is trending nationally because it featured two of college hockey's most storied programs battling in a high-stakes playoff game. The game drew strong TV ratings on Big Ten Network and sparked intense social media reactions from fans of both teams.
Wisconsin had forced overtime with a last-minute goal by captain Mathieu De St. Phalle. Minnesota goalie Justen Close made 32 saves, including several clutch stops in the third period. The Badgers finish their season 24-11-2, while Minnesota improves to 22-12-3.
The Gophers now face top-seeded Michigan in Saturday's 7 p.m. CT championship game, broadcast on BTN. A win would give Minnesota its first Big Ten tournament title since 2021 and likely secure an at-large NCAA tournament bid.
Thursday's game marked the 297th meeting between the border rivals, with Minnesota now leading the all-time series 178-102-17. The teams first played in 1922 and have maintained one of college hockey's fiercest rivalries.
Local bars near campus reported packed crowds watching the game, with police increasing patrols due to expected celebrations. University officials reminded students to celebrate responsibly after previous hockey victories led to disruptive behavior.
The victory comes at a crucial time for Minnesota hockey, which had struggled in recent weeks before Thursday's breakthrough. Head coach Bob Motzko called it "one of those nights that reminds you why this rivalry means so much."
