Gophers 7, Mavericks 2 (women's hockey final)

Minnesota exploded for four goals in the third period, including three in a span of 3:03 to win the game and end the Mavericks' season.

Minnesota State finished the year 12-19-5 and will soon begin a search for a new head coach. Jeff Vizenor resigned and was reassigned in the athletic department on Jan. 6, and assistants Paul Willett and Mandy-Krause-Rideout have served as interim co-head coaches since then.
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After two periods, MSU is more than just hanging around. Minnesota went up 3-1 on a power-play goal at 7:19, but the Mavericks came back with Emmi Leinonen's 5x3 power-play goal with 3:16 to play. Minnesota State has a 22-20 shot advantage.
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After one period, it's 2-1 Minnesota. The Gophers got a short-handed goal from Gigi Marvin and a power-play goal from Brittany Francis. But Mavericks freshman Abby Williams scored a late breakaway goal (1:12 remaining) to keep it close. The Gophers hit a post with three seconds left.
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Greetings from Ridder Arena where the Minnesota State women's hockey team is playing Minnesota in the semifinals of the WCHA Final Face-Off. PucKato is pulling double duty, covering this today and then flying back to Mankato for tonight's MSU-St. Cloud State game at the Alltel Center. I'll post some updates on the women's game here from time to time today.