Gophers-Badgers hockey series preview

The Gophers men's hockey team hosts the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend with a Big Ten title on the line.

March 11, 2016 at 6:46AM
Minnesota Golden Gophers goalie Eric Schierhorn (37) looked up in frustration at the replay board after allowing a tying goal in the second period against the Connecticut Huskies. ] (AARON LAVINSKY/STAR TRIBUNE) aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's hockey team played the Connecticut Huskies on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016 at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis, Minn. ORG XMIT: MIN1601012207193646
Gophers freshman goalie Eric Schierhorn has played well most of this season, but was pulled last Saturday in a 5-0 loss at Michigan State. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Gophers (18-15, 13-5 Big Ten): The No. 19 Gophers were shut out last Saturday at Michigan State in arguably one of their worst games of the season. But coach Don Lucia noted the Gophers finished their conference road schedule 7-3. They are 6-2 at Mariucci Arena against conference opponents and one more win will secure their third Big Ten crown. Lucia was the first coach to win three consecutive WCHA regular-season titles (1994-1996 with Colorado College) and is in position to do it again in the Big Ten. The championship belongs to the Gophers with a victory or a Michigan loss. Lucia expects his freshman goaltender Eric Schierhorn to return to top form after he was pulled early in the second period last Saturday. The Gophers will honor seniors Ryan Coyne, Ryan Reilly and A.J. Michaelson Saturday night.

Badgers (7-17-8, 2-12-4-2): Wisconsin is one of the worst teams in college hockey for the second consecutive season and were beat up by the Gophers in Madison in January by a total score of 13-2. Since that weekend, though, Wisconsin has shown signs of progress. The Badgers are 3-5-2 over their past eight, with a tie against ranked Michigan and a 4-3 victory over ranked Penn State last Saturday. Wisconsin is led by junior forward Grant Besse, a Benilde-St. Margaret's product, and his 30 points (eight goals, 22 assists). Freshman forward Luke Kunin leads the team with 16 goals and has 12 assists. Besse is at his best against the Gophers, totaling seven goals and three assists in the past seven games between the rivals. He is also 2-for-2 in shootouts vs. Minnesota, including a winning shot, last season. The Badgers haven't won at Mariucci Arena sinceMarch 2012.

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