With a perfect regular season complete, the Gophers women's hockey team can now turn its attention to what really matters -- the postseason.
The defending national champion Gophers (34-0, 28-0 WCHA) became the first women's hockey team in NCAA history to go unbeaten and untied in the regular season when they defeated St. Cloud State 3-0 on Saturday afternoon at the National Hockey Center. It was their 42nd consecutive victory overall and their 25th straight on the road.
Next up is the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Gophers will play host to Bemidji State in a best-of-three series beginning Friday. The Gophers swept the Beavers last weekend but needed overtime to win the second game.
Noora Raty made 19 saves against the Huskies (9-22-3, 5-21-2) for her 13th shutout of the season (one short of the NCAA record) and the 39th of her career (tied for most in NCAA history).
The Gophers led only 1-0 after the second period but got goals from senior Becky Kortum (her 14th) and freshman Milica McMillen (her 11th) in the third.
Hannah Brandt also scored. It was her 28th goal of the season.
The Gophers improved to 55-3-2 all time against St. Cloud State.
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