Harvard went into the second intermission down a goal despite outshooting Minnesota 25-8. The Crimson could not solve netminder Jody Horak.

“It was very frustrating,” Ruggiero said. “A lot of pucks were just sitting there, but we couldn’t put them in.”

Ruddock, a star against Duluth, was often left helpless against a skilled Minnesota squad. Wendell and Darwitz both gave Ruddock trouble with their ability to score on quick passing plays.

“Whereas Duluth is a power team, [Minnesota] is a more cohesive unit,” Ruddock said. “They run tricky plays in front. They have a persistent passing game.”

While the Duluth offense was more consistent, Minnesota’s attack was more opportunistic, capitalizing on Crimson mistakes.

“I like to always be active,” Ruddock said. “The Minnesota game wasn’t quite as intense, but I still felt pretty good.”

Though the loss made for a somewhat disappointing flight back to Logan, the Harvard players remained hopeful for the opportunity for revenge.

“It would be great to stay here and play them again,” Hagerman said. “But it’ll be better to beat them in March, when it will hurt the most.”

Harvard 2, Duluth 1

Following up a two-minute penalty for delay of game, Chu needed just five seconds off a faceoff to bring the game to a swift conclusion.

With the teams lined up in the Duluth zone, Botterill won the faceoff to Chu, who skated in and scored on a terrific individual effort.

Prior to facing the Crimson, Duluth’s penalty killing unit was a perfect 69 for 69. But Botterill’s first period goal drew first blood on the Duluth penalty kill and Chu’s powerplay game-winner added salt to the wound.

“They thought they could handle us easily,” Hagerman said. “They weren’t ready for us.”

Botterill’s goal stood through the first two periods as Ruddock safeguarded the lead. She was cool as ice in shutting down a three-on-one and then denying US Olympian Jenny Potter on a breakaway.

“I had trouble thinking, there was so much action,” Ruddock said. “Our defensemen were awesome, clearing everything. I saw every shot.”