Gophers unlucky against Fighting Irish

Last night's game at Mariucci Arena was one of the more exciting games I've shot in  a while. With a few minutes left on the clock in the third period, I found myself wishing I could include audio with my images! The normally half-empty and somber arena was louder than ever after the Gophers brought hte score from 1-4 to 3-4 within 30 seconds.
Amazing game, but Minnesota came up short. Check out the Star Tribune's story here.

Minnesota left wing Nate Condon (16) carries the puck past Notre Dame's Robbie Russo (5) into Fighting Irish territory during the first period at Mariucci Arena Saturday, Jan 7.

Notre Dame goaltender, Steven Summerhays (1) watches a deflected Gopher shot slide past the left of the goal.

Gopher center, Nick Bjugstad (27) brings the puck into Notre Dame territory during the first period at Mariucci Arena Saturday, Jan. 7.

Minnesota center, Erik Haula (19) takes the puck up the ice during the first period against Notre Dame at Mariucci Arena Saturday, Jan. 7.

Gophers' center, Taylor Matson (9) attempts to recover the puck before Notre Dame's center, Billy Maday (17) in the end of the first period.

Notre Dame goaltender, Steven Summerhays (1) saves a shot during the second period at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis Saturday, Jan. 7.

Minnesota's Seth Ambroz (17) and Notre Dame's Robbie Russo (5) fight for the puck during the second period at Mariucci Arena Saturday, Jan 7.

Gophers' Seth Ambroz (17) and Tyler Matson (9) celebrate after Matson's goal in the second period to tie the score 1-1. 

Notre Dame defenseman, Stephen Johns (28) brings the puck out of Irish territory near the end of the second period at Mariucci Arena Saturday, Jan. 7.

Gopher's right wing, Seth Ambroz (17) and Notre Dame's Stephen Johns (28) fight for the puck in Irish territory during the second period at Mariucci Arena Saturday, Jan. 7.

Minnesota defenseman Justin Holl (12) reacts to a play during the second period against Notre Dame Saturday, Jan. 7 at Mariucci Arena.

Minnesota center, Taylor Matson (9) brings the puck behind Notre Dame's goal during the third period at Mariucci Arena Saturday, Jan. 7.

Gophers' left wing, Nate Condon (16) fights for the puck in Notre Dame territory during the end of the third period.

The Gophers celebrate after Jake Hansen's (24) goal quickly follows Nick Bjugstad's (27) goal near the end of the third period. Minnesota lost to Natre Dame 4-3.