MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - A two-goal third period by Minnesota broke open a tightly contested contest as the No. 12-ranked Golden Gophers skated to a 3-0 win over Alaska Anchorage here tonight at Mariucci Arena.

The Seawolves (3-3-3, 0-3-2 WCHA) generated 21 of their 24 total shots in the final two periods, but were unable to find a way to break Gopher goalie Jeff Frazee, who earned his fourth career shutout victory.

UAA's Jon Olthuis registered a season best 34 saves in the loss, including thwarting 14 shots in the opening period and 13 in the second. The sophomore goalie's 34-save effort tied for the third-best performance of his career.

Minnesota (7-4-0, 3-4-0 WCHA) jumped to a 1-0 first period lead on an unassuming wrister from just inside the blueline from Dave Fisher at 16:50 of the first period. Olthuis appeared to have a good sight line on the puck as it left Fisher's stick, but it appeared to flutter a bit as it came towards the net freezing Olthuis momentarily.

The Gophers, who earned their fourth straight win overall, held a decisive 15-3 edge in shots through the first 20 minutes.

The Seawolves stepped up their game in the second frame, firing 13 shots on goal while forcing more action on the offensive end and in the neutral zone. UAA had three consecutive power-play chances in the period as well, but failed to score.

UAA's intensity carried over into the third as it produced a number of quality scoring opportunities in the first 10 minutes of the period, but a goal by Minnesota's Kyle Okposo off an odd-man rush at the 9:23 mark would prove to be a blow as the homestanding Gophers built their lead to 2-0. The final dagger would come 4:23 later when Blake Wheeler burried the puck into the net off another odd-man rush.

Despite losing the shot battle to Minnesota 37-24, the Seawolves were able to hold the Gophers scoreless all four of their power-play chances. UAA was 0-for-5 with the man advantage.

The final game of the two-game set begins at 4:07 p.m. Saturday at Mariucci Arena.