MINNEAPOLIS - For the second game in a row the Michigan Tech hockey team scored first but was unable to come away with the victory as it fell at No. 20 Minnesota 5-2 in WCHA play Friday (Feb. 25).

"Our first period was sloppy and Kevin was very sharp and kept it 0-0," said head coach Jamie Russell. "We got the first goal, but quickly let Minnesota answer back. We got stronger as the game went on. Our penalty kill held them 0-4 and our first unit scored a nice power-play goal."

The Gophers appeared to have scored the game's first goal two minutes into the game, but the goal was disallowed after a lengthy review due to a player in the crease.

Daniel Holmberg gave the Huskies a 1-0 lead at 6:30 of the second period. He scored his fourth goal of the season unassisted with a wrist-shot from the slot.

The Tech lead was short lived as Minnesota answered with its first goal of the game 23 seconds later. Taylor Matson fired a slap-shot glove side for his 10th goal of the season.

The Gophers would score two more goals in the period. Nick Larson scored at 10:31 with a high shot over a diving Kevin Genoe, and Jacob Cepis found the net with a rebound goal at 12:58.

Minnesota added to its lead with a short-handed goal at 6:41. Nick Bjugstad scored on a break away that was created by a turnover by the Huskies in their offensive zone.

Milos Gordic closed the gap to 4-2 with his team-leading 14th goal of the season. He scored a power-play goal off his own rebound at 15:54. Jacob Johnstone and Deron Cousens each assisted on the goal.

The Gophers closed the scoring with an empty-net goal with one second remaining.

Tech finished 1-4 on the power play while holding Minnesota 0-4.

Genoe made 37 saves for the Huskies and Kent Patterson ended with 28 for the Gophers.

The teams will close out the season series Saturday.