MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota goalie Kent Patterson notched his third shutout of the season Friday, leading Minnesota to a 6-0 win over Vermont and the team’s best start in men’s hockey in 10 years.

Patterson made 17 saves for the Golden Gophers (5-0-0), who last opened a season with five wins in 2001. The last time Minnesota had three straight shutouts at home to start the year was 1928.

Nick Bjugstad had two goals for Minnesota, which outshot the Catamounts 38-17.

Zach Budish had a goal and two assists and Kyle Rau had a goal and an assist.

Minnesota scored three times in the first and second periods, extending its streak of consecutive periods with a goal to 14 before it ended in the third period.

Alex Vazzano made 12 saves in the third period for Vermont. Starting goalie Rob Madore had 14 saves.

It was Vermont’s season opener.

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