Gophers-Michigan State hockey preview
January 19, 2019 at 2:25AM
BTN, 1130-AM, 103.5-FM both nights
U goes for fourth win in a row
Preview: The Gophers (9-8-4, 6-3-3 Big Ten) are in second place in the conference standings, two points behind Ohio State, and on a three-game winning streak. Michigan State (7-12-3, 3-7-2-1) split the series with the host Gophers in November.
Three stars: The Gophers have three nominees — junior goaltender Mat Robson, junior forward Rem Pitlick and senior forward Tyler Sheehy — among the 83 candidates for the Hobey Baker Award. Robson is the conference's top full-time goaltender (2.39 goals-against average, .931 save percentage), Pitlick leads the Gophers in scoring (22 points) and Sheehy is the Gophers active leading scorer (126 points in 132 games).
Stating his case: Junior forward Taro Hirose, the Spartans' only Hobey Award nominee, leads the nation in points (35) and assists (24).
Megan Ryan
about the writer
![Minnesota Gophers head coach PJ Fleck celebrated with his players during a team photo following their victory against the Auburn Tigers. ] Aaron Lavinsky • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com The Minnesota Gophers played the Auburn Tigers in the Outback Bowl on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4PQMI6GCU55CONQ3RVMOKQETHI.jpg?&w=436&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck offered a scholarship to the junior, a three-star wide receiver from Arizona whose father played for the Vikings, among others, in the NFL.
