9:27–**Final score: Wisconsin 2, Minnesota 2**
The Badgers had several great opportunities in overtime, but couldn’t find the elusive third goal. Regardless, they earn a point on the night and move into a tie for fourth in the WCHA.
Minnesota finished with 32 shots on goal, while Wisconsin had 26. Patrick Johnson netted both goals for Wisconsin.
Wisconsin will be back on the ice next Friday and Saturday against Minnesota-Duluth. Join Herald Sports as we blog live from the series here in Madison.
9:16–We’ll have some free hockey here, as the game is tied at two apiece after the third period. Minnesota is 0-2-4 in overtime games this season. This is Wisconsin’s first overtime game of the year.
9:03–**UW GOAL: Aaron Bendickson**
Patrick Johnson fired a shot from the top of the point that was tipped by Bendickson past Minnesota’s Kangas. Kyle Turris and Jamie McBain were awarded assists on the goal.
The crowd here at the Kohl Center is again rejunivated, as **Wisconsin and Minnesota are tied 2-2** with 6:45 remaining in the period.
8:29–End of 2nd period; **Minnesota 2, Wisconsin 1**
8:15–**UW GOAL: Patrick Johnson**
With Wisconsin on the power play, Johnson brought the Badgers to within one off a one-timer from Podge Turnbull. The crowd here at the Kohl Center finally has something to cheer about and seems to be coming to life here in the second period. And Hockey Phil can finally get the crowd to chant “One. We want more.” **Minnesota 2, Wisconsin 1**.
7:42–**End of Period 1–Minnesota 2, Wisconsin 0**
Goals by Gordon and Carman for the Gophers.
The Badgers looked like a completely different team from last night. They were 0-for-3 on the power play and were unable to control the puck in the Minnesota zone. Minnesota connected on a 5-on-3 advantage for their first goal. Shots on goal were 10-9 in favor of the Gophers.
On a lighter note, Peter DeMaio defeated Dan Blonsky in the Badger shootout during the first intermission, winning a one-night stay at the Double Tree Hotel.
More from the Kohl Center once the second period begins.
7:36–The fans clearly aren’t happy with the officiating tonight, as they are chanting “Fire Sheperd.” Derek Sheperd is tonight’s referee.
7:30–UW now behind 2-0 after a Mike Carman goal for Minnesota.
7:16–Minnesota scores first tonight, as Ben Gordon beat Shane Connelly five-hole. Minnesota had a 5-on-3 advantage after penalties on Sean Dolan and Kyle Klubertanz. **Minnesota 1, Wisconsin 0**.
7:13–Former Badgers Dany Heatley and Adam Burrish are in attendance tonight. Burrish was the captain of the 2006 National Championship team, and Heatley is an NHL All-Star with the Ottawa Senators.
6:43–Greetings from the Kohl Center. Tonight is the second game of the weekend series between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Wisconsin won Friday night’s contest by a final of 3-1. Ryan McDonagh, Kyle Turris and Ben Street all netted goals for the Badgers in the victory. Turris’ goal even garnered national attention, as it was the No. 7 play on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Friday night.
With a win tonight, Wisconsin can move into fourth in the WCHA behind Colorado College, Denver and North Dakota. A tie tonight would tie them with Minnesota-Duluth. The Bulldogs have a non-conference series this weekend with UMass Lowell.
In earlier action at the Kohl Center today, the UW women’s hockey team completed the sweep of Saint Cloud State, winning 4-0 behind a two-goal performance from senior Jinelle Zaugg. A record-high 5,377 fans were in attendance for the game, the most ever for the women’s team.
Stay with us throughout the game for up-to-the-minute scoring updates. The puck drops in just under 20 minutes here in Madison.
