Mankato, Minn.  --- 15th-rated Minnesota State could not find a way to score in dropping 1-0 decision at seventh-rated Minnesota in a nonconference men's hockey game played Saturday at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis.

The Gophers, who outshot the Mavericks by a 38-23 margin in the game, used a second-period power play goal in salvaging a split in the series. Minnesota State won Friday's game in Mankato, 4-1.

The Gophers outshot the Mavericks by a 15-9 margin in the opening period and had several good chances from right in front of the net, but a stellar effort by Maverick netminder Jason Pawloski kept it a scoreless tie through the initial 20 minutes of action.

Minnesota kept the pressure on the in the second period and after a couple of whacks at a bouncing puck in front of the net during a power play, Justin Kloos batted it past a prone Pawloski at 2:46 in giving Minnesota a 1-0 lead. It stayed that way despite a 16-3 shots on goal advantage for the Gophers.

The Mavericks owned an 11-7 advantage in shots on goal in the third period and had a couple of good power play opportunities near the end of the game, but could not put the puck past Gopher netminder Eric Schierhorn.

Jason Pawloski stopped a career-high 37 shots in the contest and now stands 2-2-1 on the season. The 38 shots on goal by Minnesota are the most allowed by the Mavericks this season.
Minnesota State (8-5-1 overall) was held scoreless four power play chances on the evening, while Minnesota (5-3-2) was one-of-three with the man advantage.

The Mavericks are idle next weekend before resuming play with a two-game WCHA home series vs. the University of Alaska in Mankato Dec. 2-3.\

Head coach Mike Hastings commented following the game.
 
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