Golden Gophers Freeze Out Michigan in Back-to-Back Shutouts

Doubts were swirling after the Minnesota Golden Gophers squeaked by Alaska two weeks ago with a tie and a come-from-behind win. But this past weekend, the Gophers silenced the critics in spectacular fashion, shutting out their Big Ten rival, Michigan, in back-to-back games at Mariucci Arena.

In front of a roaring home crowd, Minnesota delivered a statement—and it was written in all caps. Friday night’s game was a 6-0 masterclass, led by NHL prospects Matthew Wood, Oliver Moore, and Connor Kurth. Wood ended his four-game goal drought with a pair of beauties, Moore tallied two assists, and Kurth capped off the scoring with a second-period gem. The Wolverines left the ice looking more dazed than their mascot in an ice storm.

The Gophers’ celebration was dampened by a mid-game injury to senior forward Aaron Huglen, who left after an awkward collision with Michigan defender Mark Estapa. Huglen sat out Saturday’s rematch, leaving Minnesota to reshuffle its lines.

Saturday’s game was a nail-biter by comparison, but Minnesota held firm. Sam Rinzel’s eighth goal of the season gave the Gophers a slim lead that felt as secure as a one-goal lead can feel against Michigan’s offense. Goalie Liam Souliere became a human brick wall, holding off Michigan’s frustrated attempts to break through. As tempers flared, Michigan’s Evan Werner earned himself an ejection and a one-game suspension after cross-checking Jimmy Snuggerud following Snuggerud’s empty-net dagger that sealed a 2-0 win.

For Michigan, it marked the first time since the 1942-43 season that they were held scoreless in consecutive games. For Minnesota, it was a weekend to remember. Souliere recorded his second shutout in three starts, cementing his reputation as a game-changer since transferring from Penn State for his grad year. Meanwhile, Nathan Airey was flawless on Friday, stopping all 32 shots he faced for his first college hockey shutout.

Head coach Bob Motzko, juggling two standout netminders, sounded more relieved than stressed about the decision.

“They’re both playing great,” Motzko said. “Our guys have faith in them, and they’re feeding off each other. It’s actually one of the easier decisions I’ve had to make.”

Injuries, however, continue to test Minnesota’s depth. Freshman forward August Falloon and junior defenseman Cal Thomas both left Saturday’s game early. Motzko confirmed on his podcast Monday that Thomas will be out until at least the second half of the season. Whether Huglen or Falloon will return this weekend remains up in the air.

“We were down to three lines on Saturday, but our guys don’t miss a beat,” Motzko said. “I’d love for this injury bug to take a vacation—‘uncle!’”

The Gophers will also be without Wood for their next series against Michigan State, as he’s suiting up for Team Canada at the World Juniors. Despite these challenges, Minnesota sits at 15-2-1, unbeaten in their last six games, and a perfect 8-0-0 in Big Ten play.

Offensively, the Gophers are firing on all cylinders. Snuggerud, with his two goals against Michigan, now ranks third nationally in scoring with 22 points. Wood and Kurth aren’t far behind, each with 20 points, while Rinzel and Brody Lamb are also averaging a point per game. Minnesota’s balanced scoring has been a key to their success, with eight players netting at least five goals this season.

“That’s been our strength,” Motzko said. “The balance, the contributions throughout our lineup. It’s good hockey players playing with great detail. They’re building confidence and meeting every challenge we’ve faced.”

The breakout season of sophomore Sam Rinzel adds to the excitement. A first-round NHL draft pick, Rinzel has evolved into a Hobey Baker Award contender, proving his potential as a top-tier defenseman.

Looking ahead, Minnesota’s schedule only gets tougher as Michigan State—one of the top four teams in the Pairwise rankings—arrives in Minneapolis this weekend. Motzko praised the Spartans, calling them “old, well-coached, and experienced.”

“They’re one of the best teams in the country. We’re going to have to gut through this weekend, but our guys are up to the task,” Motzko said.

Despite the challenge, Motzko isn’t focused on rankings just yet.

“I like to look at the Pairwise in February,” he said with a grin. “We’re in a great spot, but our focus is on finishing the first half strong and then getting some much-needed rest.”

As the Gophers prepare for the second half of their season, they’ve proven one thing: this team is built to compete. Injuries, tough schedules, and powerhouse opponents haven’t slowed them down. With depth, determination, and a roster full of rising stars, Minnesota is making a case for why they’re a force to be reckoned with in college hockey.