big ten championship
Gophers vs. Michigan • 7 p.m., Joe Louis ARENA • BTN, 1500-AM
Inside the matchup: Michigan caused the Gophers the most trouble of any Big Ten opponent this season. The Wolverines (22-41) swept the Gophers (22-12-3) at Yost Arena in early January to jumpstart what became a terrible month for Minnesota. The Gophers, however, were the better team over the six weeks leading to the Big Ten tournament with a 9-3 record and winning the regular-season title race against the Wolverines. Two of those victories were against Michigan at Mariucci Arena. The Wolverines were 5-6 during this stretch. Both teams showcased their strengths in Friday's semifinal victories with the Gophers getting a shutout effort from standout goaltender Adam Wilcox and Michigan's nation-best offense erupting for four goals against Michigan State's goalie and Big Ten Player of the Year Jake Hildebrand.
JASON GONZALEZ
