'Outstanding' goalie Kangas earns first U shutout

Bruce Bisping, Dml - Star Tribune

Gopher goalie Alex Kangas

The Gophers sophomore achieved his goal of keeping a level head -- even as the Huskies had a two-man advantage for the final 56 seconds.

By ROMAN AUGUSTOVIZ, Star Tribune

Last update: November 17, 2008 - 12:34 AM

As the minutes, then seconds ticked off late in the third period Sunday at Mariucci Arena, only one burning question remained. Would Gophers sophomore goalie Alex Kangas get the first shutout of his college career against Michigan Tech?

Last season Kangas set a school record with a 1.98 goals-against average; 11 times he has held an opponent to one goal. But a shutout? Not a one.

Until Sunday, that is, when Kangas stopped 38 shots as Minnesota defeated the Huskies 3-0 before an announced turnout of 9,324.

The victory kept the No. 2-rated Gophers unbeaten at 6-0-4 overall; they lead the WCHA at 5-0-3.

When the major national polls come out today, Minnesota almost certainly will be No. 1 for the first time since January 2007. That's because Boston University, the top-rated team last week despite one defeat, lost 5-1 to Massachusetts on Friday.

Kangas' teammates actually added to the late suspense. Nico Sachetti was called for tripping with 1 minute, 45 seconds left in the game, and R.J. Anderson joined him in the penalty box shortly for slashing. So the Huskies had a two-man advantage for the final 56 seconds.

"I just tried to stay even keel and keep a level head," Kangas said, "and make the first save. The defense did a pretty good [job] there at the end of limiting their shots."

Defenseman Drew Dobson of Tech nearly got one past Kangas on a long shot on that late power play. Kangas' body deflected it, sending the puck on a path straight for the lower right corner.

Until Kangas' left leg kicked it wide -- "I just reflexed and kicked it off my foot," he said. That was one of 16 saves he made the final period, nine on three Tech power plays.

"I thought Alex Kangas was outstanding," Tech coach Jamie Russell said. "We generated a lot of shots on net."

Gophers coach Don Lucia agreed: "They had as many good scoring chances as we did tonight. [Kangas] certainly earned his shutout."

It was his first since he had one in the USHL playing for the Indianapolis Ice in the 2006-07 season.

"Guys are happy for him," junior captain Ryan Stoa said. "[A shutout] was what we were talking about in between the second and third period. 'Let's play for Kangy.' "

Stoa gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead on a 5-on-3 power play at 9:39 of the opening period. It was his ninth goal. Twenty-four seconds later, Tony Lucia made it 2-0 with the Gophers one man up. Freshman center Jordan Schroeder got the key third goal early in the second period.

Struggling Michigan Tech (2-7-1, 1-6-1) and Minnesota tied 2-2 Saturday. But the Gophers had led 2-0 after one period -- just as in this game.

"We thought it was going to be an easy weekend," Stoa said. "They outworked us [Saturday] and they deserved the win. Today we stayed on an even keel."

Especially Kangas, making his 31st consecutive start.

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