No. 6 Minnesota men's hockey finishes off weekend series vs. UMD with 5-1 win

The No. 6 Minnesota Golden Gophers cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena on Saturday to complete the road series sweep.

It marks the program's first sweep at UMD since October 2011, when Minnesota won back-to-back games by a 5-4 score.

Connor Kurth put up three points, including an eventual game-winning goal, to give the Gophers their third win in the young season.

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Liam Souliere made 31 saves in the game to help Minnesota secure the victory. It was his first win in two outings since joining the Gophers this offseason.

Brodie Ziemer got the scoring started 9:24 into the first period, assisted by Oliver Moore.

Kurth made it 2-0 with a nice deke out off a Matthew Wood pass with less than three minutes remaining in the first period. UMD's Owen Gallatin cut into the Gophers' lead with a goal just before the period expired.

Minnesota picked up another goal in the second period via Jimmy Snuggerud, his first goal of the year.

The Gophers continued to play good defense through the second period as Souliere held his own in net.

Minnesota would add two more goals in the third period, via Jimmy Clark off a power play and a Wood empty net goal to make it 5-1 Gophers.

"Tonight, we were really strong start to finish and then I liked us all weekend," Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko said.

"Our down low play was great, and I think we really got on them and wore their defense down over two nights. You have to learn how to win big games; and to win on the road for a second night is really hard to do. I give our guys tons of credit."

Minnesota will next hosts the St. Thomas Tommies for its home opener Friday night at 3M Arena at Mariucci. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.