DENVER - In the What Have You Done For Me Lately world of big-time competitive sports, the Gophers simply couldn't feel good about this one.
The scoreboard said they had nothing to be ashamed of after Sunday's 3-2 overtime loss to North Dakota at the Pepsi Center, and that certainly is the case. But if you're going to lose, you want to do it after putting your best foot forward.
So, after Fighting Sioux senior captain Chris Porter beat Gophers goaltender Jeff Frazee on a wraparound at 9:43 of overtime in the West Regional championship, earning the Sioux a trip to the Frozen Four, the Gophers knew the better team on this day is moving on.
"Some of our top-end guys had trouble all game," said Gophers coach Don Lucia.
North Dakota dominated the overtime, with the Gophers forced to ice the puck continuously to try to relieve the pressure.
"They might have had a little more left in the bag than we did," Gophers assistant captain Alex Goligoski said.
Lucia said the strong play of the line of Porter, Chris VandeVelde and Matt Watkins was the difference in the game. The line outplayed the Gophers' line of Blake Wheeler, Ben Gordon and Jay Barriball to the point where Lucia had to make a change.
"Blake's line was really struggling," Lucia said. "Even at the start of the game, that wasn't a good matchup."
North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol agreed.
"That might have been a game that VandeVelde, Porter and Watkins won in the first period," he said. "Every shift they had possession in the offensive zone. That wears a team down when its playing defense.
"As it turns out, Chris Porter wins it on a wraparound. He very deservedly gets the game-winner.
Wheeler said it was a case of playing hard, but ineffectively.
"There were plays to be made on the ice that we didn't make," he said. "You can say all you want about giving 100 percent out there, but if you're not making the plays it takes away from the effort you gave."
The Gophers jumped out in front early on a goal by Mike Carman at 2:22 of the first period. The Sioux pulled even four minutes later. After a scoreless second period, North Dakota took its first lead on a power-play goal by Ryan Duncan at 2:08.
The Gophers trailed 2-1 past the midway point of the third period before tying the game on a power-play goal by Jay Barriball. The Gophers held their own the remainder of regulation, but that changed at the start of the extra session.
"We could have played better, but I think a lot of guys gave their best effort," Gophers defenseman Erik Johnson said. "Everyone did what they could to get us a win."
Without making excuses, Lucia said the Gophers were hindered by some key injuries and a flu bug that has been going through the team. Goligoski played with a cast on his right hand due to a broken pointer finger. Kyle Okposo played despite being limited due to illness.
The Gophers finish the season with a 31-10-3 record and two WCHA titles. But ultimately, with a tough loss against a bitter rival.
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