Badgers take down Gophers

Published 9:36 am Monday, February 18, 2013

CHICAGO — Wisconsin scored three times in the second period and held on to beat second-ranked Minnesota 3-2 Sunday in the Hockey City Classic at Soldier Field.

Sean Little capped a flurry of goals with the game-winner at 16:22 of the second period for the Badgers (13-10-7, 10-7-7), who spoiled the Gophers’ first outdoor game. Wisconsin is 3-0-0 in games played outdoors.

“That’s what cost us the game,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said. “They got some puck luck and we got away from the things we should be doing.”

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Lucia said the Badgers adjusted to the less-than-ideal ice conditions. “We wanted a skill game and with these conditions you are not going to get a skill game.”

Instead, all three Wisconsin goals came on rebounds and deflections.

After a scoreless period, Kevin Schulz dribbled a shot past Minnesota goalie Adam Wilcox, who finished with 16 saves.

John Ramage scored 1:10 later when his shot deflected into the net for a 2-0 lead. Little followed with rebound 2:09 later. That goal was the eventual winner.

Wisconsin had a first-period goal by Joseph LaBate disallowed for a high stick.

Seth Ambroz and Zach Budish scored early and late in the third period for the Gophers (20-6-4, 12-6-4), who were 0-for-2 on the power play. Minnesota went 3-for-4 with a man advantage in Friday’s 3-2 win.

Wisconsin goalie Joel Rumpel kicked away a shot as time expired to preserve the win. He had 36 saves.

“It was a great experience, and they did a great job with the conditions,” Lucia said. “But experience is always better when you win.”