For the second consecutive game, the Gophers wasted no time answering a third-period goal by their opponents.
Connecticut tied the score 2-2 late in the third period, but junior forward Hudson Fasching responded on his next shift to secure a 3-2 win for Minnesota in the Mariucci Classic semifinals Friday night at Mariucci Arena.
The last time the Gophers had won in the first round of their tournament was Dec. 29, 2012, against Air Force. Only four players from the 2012-13 roster remain on the team.
The Gophers will advance to play No. 7 Harvard in the Mariucci Classic title game.