The Badgers have had some gut-checks this season at home, where their 14-2-1 record is the second-best in the Kohl Center era. They were tied in the third period in games against Northern Michigan, Penn State, Colorado College and Alaska-Anchorage and found a way to win one-goal decisions. They also rallied from a two-goal deficit in the third against Lake Superior State to earn an overtime draw.

“We’ve played better here and lost,” UW coach Mike Eaves said. “It’s funny how the game goes sometimes. Tonight we didn’t play very well and found a way to win.”

The outcome had some symmetry. The Gophers (19-3-5, 8-1-2, 26 points) came into the series riding the longest unbeaten streak (10-0-4) in the country that began Nov. 29 and 30 with a sweep of the Badgers in Minneapolis.

“We definitely didn’t play our best hockey out there,” Simonelli said after handing Minnesota its first outright loss in Big Ten play. “When you find ways to win like that, it definitely helps out.”

The Gophers piled up a 32-19 edge in shots — allowing only three in the third period — and controlled the pace of the game throughout.

“Playing well gives you a chance to win,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said. “That doesn’t guarantee you’re going to win.”