Haula gets 101st career point as Gophers beat Sioux 5-1

With the third-largest crowd in Mariucci Arena history on hand to watch one of the final games between neighboring rivals, the Gophers beat the Sioux, 5-1 on Friday.

It was close until the third period when the Gophers exploded for five unanswered goals starting with a Zach Budish goal in the second period that tied the game at one.

Minnesota would score again before the second period was over before running away with the game in the third.

Freshman Adam Wilcox was stellar once again making 24 saves and allowing one goal off a power play. His record of 16-2-3 is the best in the WCHA.

Erik Haula came back from injury to lead the Gophers with two points on the night with an empty net goal and an assist to give him 101 points in his career.

As with rivalries, the game was very physical and several fights erupted in the final minutes — but with the Gophers going to the Big Ten conference next year, the final rivalry game between the two teams may be Saturday.

Withe the win, the Gophers have not lost a game since November.

The Gophers will face North Dakota again Saturday night as part of Hockey Day Minnesota. Except this game to be as scrappy as Friday night’s contest.