GOPHERS WOMEN’S HOCKEY SERIES PREVIEW
Gophers women’s hockey vs. St. Thomas series preview: broadcast info, analysis
Randy Johnson’s breakdown: Minnesota begins the final month of the regular season in third place in the WCHA and looks to move up.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
February 2, 2024 at 12:54PM
Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (4:30 p.m.) at Ridder Arena
TV: none Friday, FOX9-Plus on Saturday; Stream: B1G+ on Friday
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Randy Johnson’s preview:
Opening bell: The Gophers (20-5-1, 14-5-1 WCHA) enter the final four weeks of the regular season in third place in the WCHA, 11 points behind first-place Ohio State and five behind second-place Wisconsin. Minnesota swept Minnesota State Mankato 4-3 and 2-1 in overtime last weekend, running its win streak to four games. The Gophers are fifth in the PairWise Ratings, which help determine the NCAA tournament field. The top four teams in the PairWise serve as NCAA regional hosts.
Watch her: Gophers junior forward Abbey Murphy continued her outstanding season against Minnesota State, scoring the winner in the opener and finishing the weekend with two goals and two assists. She’s tied for the national lead with 24 goals.
Forecast: The Gophers overwhelmed St. Thomas in an 8-0 and 4-0 sweep in October, and another sweep appears likely. To have a chance, the Tommies (8-18-1, 2-17-1) must slow Murphy, who had four goals and two assists in the first series.
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“It’s got to be better,” coach Bob Motzko says of a unit that is ranked 60th among 64 NCAA Division I teams.
