Gophers sweep No. 12 Michigan fueled by Adam Wilcox's revival, move into first-place tie in Big Ten standings, read Saturday night's game story.

Closing out games has been a problem for the Gophers throughout the season, but they've appeared to take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

They held off Michigan's high-powered offense -- ranked No. 1 in the country averaging 4.21 goals per game -- late in the third period to hold on to a 1-0 lead and eventually secure the victory with an open-net goal in the final seconds of the game on Saturday night at Mariucci Arena.

"It's huge. We haven't had one of those third period close games that we've been able to close," Gophers senior forward Seth Ambroz said. "That's been a problem of ours throughout the year, so far. I think it's a big step forward for us [to close out a game]."

The Gophers' willingness to use their bodies to block shots and Adam Wilcox's ability to make the game-changing save was the difference.

"The guys were emotionally vested in the game," Lucia said. "Their backs have been to the wall and now they've responded."

• Vinni Lettieri said he was OK, but feeling dizzy after the game. The sophomore forward was struck in the face mask with a slap shot in the third period and was down on the ice for several minutes.

He struggled to get up and keep his balance while battling what looked like concussion symptoms when he was helped off the ice. It's the second time Lettieri has been hit in the head by a shot this season.

Lucia said he thought Lettieri looked OK, but they'll keep him under close observation. Lucia was also struck in the head with a loose puck during Friday night's game. He said it left a bump on his head, but was fine.

• The alternate uniforms continue to work for the Gophers. They wore the alternate white tops in Friday's win and the alternate golden uniforms in Saturday's victory. The change has been good for back-to-back series sweeps.

Saturday's box score.

Postgame video
(To view on mobile devices, click on player's/coach's name)

Gophers junior goaltender Adam Wilcox

Gophers senior forward Seth Ambroz

Gophers coach Don Lucia