The Gophers put three pucks past St. Cloud State goaltender Ryan Faragher in the first period, but they needed three goals after that to secure a 4-2 win over WCHA leader St. Cloud.

Zach Budish scored two goals in the game’s opening period in St. Cloud, Minn., and both were waived off following an official review.

Minnesota turned its luck around after the first, though St. Cloud refused to go away.

The Huskies tied the game at 2-2 four minutes into the third period when Drew LeBlanc scored his ninth goal of the year.

But the Gophers scored two goals in a 4-on-4 situation to secure the win.

Seth Ambroz and Taylor Johnson went to the penalty box with matching roughing calls, and the Gophers took advantage of the open ice with two pretty goals in 58 seconds.

Erik Haula scored the first goal after deking out Huskies goaltender Ryan Faragher. The goal was Haula’s second of the night.

Nate Schmidt scored the second on a rocket from the point.

Minnesota outshot St. Cloud 42-24. The two teams will face off again Saturday at 7 p.m.