Johnson has been behind the bench for all five of the Badgers’ titles, in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011 and now 2019. In a season where he became the winningest coach in Division I women’s hockey history and had his Badgers men’s hockey jersey retired, this one came with an initial feeling of relief.

“You keep going to the well and hope you get an opportunity to play for another championship,” he said. “I woke up about 3 this morning and I just felt comfortable that the team was in a good place.”

The game’s first goal was going to be critical, Johnson said — in five previous games between the teams, the team that went ahead ended up winning.

That was a good sign for the Badgers (35-4-2) once Shaver put them ahead of the Golden Gophers (32-6-1) in the first period, finishing off the great work of fellow Minnesota native Presley Norby.

Winding behind the net, Norby delivered a perfect pass to Shaver between the left circle and the crease. Shaver snuck the puck between Gulstene (30 saves) and the near post.

“That was a super nice finish by her,” Norby said. “It wouldn’t have been a big play if she didn’t finish it off.”

It was Shaver’s seventh goal of the season but her first in 16 games since Jan. 25.