Badgers Dominate Gophers in 8-3 Win
January 11, 2002 | Men's Hockey
Wisconsin claimed an important 8-3 victory in Friday night's border battle with long-time rival Minnesota. The Badgers took the lead at 7:34 in the first period off an unassisted Matt Hussey goal. UW kept that momentum throughout the conference match-up while Minnesota struggled in net.
Three Badgers netted two goals a piece on home ice including the game's two UW shorthanded goals. Senior Matt Murray doubled his season goal totals after finding the net twice against Gopher goaltender Adam Hauser in the first period and later in the third against Minnesota freshman goaltender Travis Weber.
Wisconsin captain Andy Wheeler knocked in two of his own goals, including the game-winner, while UW freshman Alex Leavitt followed suit with two more goals. Madison native Brad Winchester wrapped up the Wisconsin scoring barrage with one goal against Minnesota.
The Gophers kept pace in the first period off sophomore Jon Waibel's goal at 12:32, but lagged behind the Badgers throughout the game. Minnesota center Johnny Pohl and left wing Jeff Taffe both scored for the Gophers in the second and third periods respectively.
Wisconsin netminder Scott Kabotoff collected 50 saves, while Hauser earned 18 in two periods and Weber finished with one save in the final period.
The border battle series continues Saturday night at the Kohl Center where the Badgers will look to sweep the Golden Gophers in the series. The puck drops at 7 p.m.
