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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Cade Fairchild had a goal and three assists to lead Minnesota to a 7-3 win over fourth-ranked Denver on Saturday.

The Gophers (12-12-4, 9-10-3) took charge early, scoring three times in the first 12 minutes of the game and adding three more goals in the second period.

Jacob Cepis and Taylor Mattson netted the first two goals less than a minute apart against freshman goalie Sam Brittain. After Erik Haula scored 33 seconds into the second period for a 4-0 lead, Denver (18-7-5, 14-5-3) replaced Brittain with Adam Murray, who gave up the last two goals of the period.

Mike Hoeffel, Nick Bjugstad and Patrick White also scored for Minnesota. Haula added two assists.

Kent Patterson had 31 saves for the Gophers, who outshot the Pioneers 44-34.

Beau Bennett, Chris Knowlton and John Lee scored for league-leading Pioneers, who beat the Gophers 2-1 on Friday.

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