Pregame: Ambroz continues to be thorn in Wisconsin's side

Gophers at Wisconsin: 7:10 p.m. at the Kohl Center. TV/radio/live stream: BTN; 107.1-FM; BTN2Go.
​Seth Ambroz can't explain it, but he won't deny the special effort that Wisconsin brings out of him. The Gophers senior forward erupted for two goals on Friday night after just scoring three through 22 games.

It is no surprise, though, that Ambroz looked like the Gophers' top scorer on Friday. Nine of his 33 career goals have come against the rival Badgers.

"I enjoy playing against them. I've been fortunate enough to get some nice bounces," Ambroz said. "I don't really know what else to say. Things just seem to bounce my way against them in my career and hopefully it will continue [Saturday]."

The Gophers' season-high seven goals in Friday's win were made possible by several players that haven't played much of an offensive role this season, including Ambroz. Vinni Lettieri, Jake Bischoff, Leon Bristedt, Taylor Cammarata and Hudson Fasching, none of which are among the team's top five scorers, all contributed goals.

"It was good to see some of the guys that hadn't been scoring, including myself ... finally found the back of the net," Ambroz said. "It's huge for everyone to start contributing, and for us to be successful that's what's going to have to happen."

A.J. Michaelson replaces Ryan Reilly at left wing on the fourth line for the series finale. The rest of the Gophers' lineup remains the same after a very efficient offensive effort.

Friday replay: Gophers score in bunches to get important win over Wisconsin, read Friday night's game story and postgame blog. Watch postgame video of Gophers senior forward Seth Ambroz, Gophers sophomore defenseman Jake Bischoff, Gophers coach Don Lucia.

• Gophers' Saturday lines
Forwards (left wing, center, right wing)
Leon Bristedt, Kyle Rau, Hudson Fasching
Sam Warning, Justin Kloos, Taylor Cammarata
Connor Reilly, Travis Boyd, Seth Ambroz
A.J. Michaelson, Vinni Lettieri, Christian Isackson

Defensemen (left, right)
Brady Skjei, Ryan Collins
Mike Reilly, Jake Bischoff
Ben Marshall, Michael Brodzinski

Goaltenders
Adam Wilcox, Nick Lehr

• Minnesotans in Wisconsin's lineup
Joseph Labate, Sr. forward, Eagan
Grant Besse, Soph. forward, Plymouth
Eddie Wittchow, Jr. defenseman, Burnsville
Jack Dougherty, Fr. defenseman, Cottage Grove
Kevin Schulze, Jr. defenseman, White Bear Lake

• Series Preview: Gophers vs. Wisconsin

Gophers at a glance: The Gophers (12-9-2, 3-2-2 Big Ten) fell out of the USCHO national rankings for the first time since 2011 on Monday, but are hoping to build on Friday night's win in Madison. For more on Wisconsin and the Border Battle rematch, read the full series preview.

• Wondering what's broken within the Gophers men's hockey program? Friday's feature addresses that question and the rumors swirling around the program during this extended skid. Also watch Gophers coach Don Lucia preview the weekend series and hear from senior defenseman Ben Marshall and junior defenseman Brady Skjei.