Gophers skate with purpose, show off the skill that fans have been waiting for in 6-2 upset of No. 12 Michigan, read Friday night's game story.
Kyle Rau didn't need any help to complete the hat trick in Friday night's 6-2 win over Michigan at Mariucci Arena. The Gophers senior captain picked up the turnover and broke away for the unassisted goal unloaded near the top of the slot.

His third goal of the night earned the Gophers the rare achievement of back-to-back games with a hat trick. Travis Boyd recorded three goals last Saturday against Ohio State. The feat is so unusual that the usually sharp Gophers hockey communication staff didn't have an answer for the last time it happened.

"It was kind of funny. I don't know when the last time was they had two [hat tricks] in a row. Probably a cool stat," Rau said. "It's cool. When we start playing better hockey that kind of stuff happens. I wasn't thinking hat trick, I was trying to find a spot. I thought the goalie was going to go down, but he didn't. Lucky to go in."

There was nothing lucky about Rau's goals on Friday night. He set up the first goal with a give-and-go with Taylor Cammarata on the power play, the second he went the length of the ice for a short-handed goal, and the third he showed off his ability to shoot from beyond a couple feet from the crease.

Most of Rau's career 59 goals have been scored in "his office" near the goal. He enjoyed changing things up for his milestone night.

"I don't know the last time I scored off the ice, so it was pretty cool," Rau said with a chuckle. "I had three of them. It was a record."

It was Rau's second career hat trick and ends a two-year drought since the last time he achieved the feat. His first goal of the night was his 150th career point, making him just the 27th player in Gophers program history to reach the milestone.

"That's Kyle. He usually steps up in the big moment or the big game and this was an important win for us against a good quality opponent," Gophers coach Don Lucia said.

The Gophers have three hat tricks this season from Rau, Boyd and Justin Kloos.

Friday's box score.

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

Gophers senior forward Kyle Rau

Gophers junior defenseman Mike Reilly

Gophers coach Don Lucia