As the weather begins to get cold, revenge in college hockey continues to heat up en vogue.
Several schools and individuals earned some revenge over the weekend. Chris Bergeron, whose Bowling Green team's season ended in OT to Minnesota Duluth, defeated the Bulldogs with his new Miami team. The RedHawks entered Friday 2-5-2 and being handily swept by North Dakota, who earned a win and tie over a Denver team who ended the Fighting Hawks' 2018-19 season in the same building. Out East, Cornell defeated Clarkson in a battle of top-10 teams and rematch of the 2019 ECAC championship game.
Still, as fun as it can be to discuss teams and individuals earning revenge for what happened last season, the weather changing is a good time to remember how it's becoming more important to get revenge for what's happening this season. Records are being set. Identities are being formed. As the weather begins to get cold, 2019-20 has been heating up as a whole.
As always, here's what is going on throughout the college hockey landscape. This week's stock report recaps who is doing well, who is on their way down, and what trends should be followed.
Up: Michigan State
Picked to finish seventh of seven teams, the Spartans are getting off on the right foot with bragging rights to boot. Michigan State began Big Ten conference play 3-1 after sweeping in-state rival Michigan for the first time since October 2009. Danton Cole's team has shown flashes but is getting help from its depth that MSU missed.
Perhaps no game shows it better than Saturday's 3-0 win, in which Michigan State's John Lethemon earned his second shutout in as many weekends while the Spartans scored three goals from players not named Patrick Khodorenko or Mitch Lewandowski.
Down: The other Big Ten "M's"
Besides Michigan's follies against the Spartan, Minnesota was swept by Penn State at home. Both schools expected some early struggles. However, it's the way those struggles are happening that are worrying.
For Michigan, the Wolverines are dropping fast from the young team that beat Western Michigan. Mel Pearson's team has 1 Big Ten point in six games. Sure, injuries aren't helping, but it's concerning nonetheless. Four of those games came against the other teams picked to finish near the bottom while looking worse with each passing week.
(Heck, even Canisius is getting in on the Wolverines' style with throwback sweaters that look like the GLI love child of Michigan and Michigan Tech.)
For Minnesota, the Gophers turned a scoreless first period Friday into an 8-2 loss. Saturday's game featured 2-0 and 3-1 leads going away and losing 6-3. (One silver lining: Cullen Munson getting his first collegiate goal...as a junior.) Through six weeks, Minnesota has blown multiple tie games and third-period leads. Young team or not, that's not the identity any group wants yet one the Gophers, unfortunately, can claim.
Showing posts with label Michigan State University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michigan State University. Show all posts
Monday, November 18, 2019
Thursday, August 29, 2019
College Hockey Stock Report (July/August 2019)
One more offseason month to go.
July 1st technically kicks off the season, as it's the date teams officially switch conferences or begin. There was one in Division 1 this year as Long Island University kicks off its inaugural women's hockey program. For the most part, we're still asking #IsItOctoberYet (or #IsItNovemberYet for those who are Ivy League schools). There's still a month (or two) until games begin.
Right now, players are coming back on campus. Classes are underway. Teams are starting up practices or even exhibition games.
With one more offseason month to go, it's time to bring back the stock report and take a measure of what's going on over the past two months. And if this isn't enough, make sure to follow along my "60 Days. 60 Teams. 600 Words (or Less)" series profiling all sixty D1 men's hockey programs.
July 1st technically kicks off the season, as it's the date teams officially switch conferences or begin. There was one in Division 1 this year as Long Island University kicks off its inaugural women's hockey program. For the most part, we're still asking #IsItOctoberYet (or #IsItNovemberYet for those who are Ivy League schools). There's still a month (or two) until games begin.
Right now, players are coming back on campus. Classes are underway. Teams are starting up practices or even exhibition games.
Guys crushed the run test this morning & came back in great shape. First on ice practice tomorrow. No matter how many times you have done it, start of a new season is so exciting #300s #passfail #dayone— Derek Schooley (@derekschooley) August 27, 2019
With one more offseason month to go, it's time to bring back the stock report and take a measure of what's going on over the past two months. And if this isn't enough, make sure to follow along my "60 Days. 60 Teams. 600 Words (or Less)" series profiling all sixty D1 men's hockey programs.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
60 Days. 60 Teams. 600 Words (or Less): Michigan State
Michigan State
2018-19 Record: 12-19-5 (8-12-4, 7th in Big Ten)
Head Coach: Danton Cole, 3rd Year
Top returning scorers: Patrick Khodorenko (18G-19A) and Mitchell Lewandowski (16G-18A)
Top returning goaltenders: John Lethemon (Sr.) and Drew DeRidder (So.)
The KHL Line is dead. Long live the KHL Line.
Michigan State brings the Big Ten to this series after the second and final season of one college hockey's more memorable lines recently. The KHL Line made up of Patrick Khodorenko, Taro Hirose and Mitchell Lewandowski had nearly 50% of MSU's goals. They led the Spartans at both even strength and on the power play together.
It's not often a one-line team succeeds (and MSU did finish seventh in the Big Ten once again), however, Michigan State had some success. Teams knew what they needed to contain the Spartans. In spite of that, the KHL Line was able to succeed. (Just going to link to this 7-7 January tie against Ohio State as an example.) Hirose tied for the national lead in points with 50. Lewandowski co-led the Big Ten in game-winning goals.
What's New: Needing to replace Hirose. All three players in the KHL Line had eligibility remaining, however, Hirose chose to forgo his senior season and sign with the Detroit Red Wings. Volunteer goalie coach Jason Muzzatti also went pro, joining the Carolina Hurricanes in the same role.
One new player who could be of help is Josh Nodler. The fifth-round pick of the Calgary Flames had 17 goals for the Fargo Force (USHL) during his draft-eligible season.
What else? Munn Ice Arena is expanding. Stop watching your offseason "Fixer Upper" because it's demo day!
Michigan State is undergoing an $18.8 million renovation of its 6,000+ seat arena, which opened in 1974. When completed, Munn will have a new locker room, weight room and training areas that have become the norm throughout the rest of the Big Ten. It remains to be seen whether the visiting team still will walk uphill from the bench to a tiny area not fit for a locker room and skate sharpener.Here we go! Ground has officially been broken on the Munn expansion! pic.twitter.com/dXGxHpTvmu— MSU_Hockey (@MSU_Hockey) July 17, 2019
Fun fact: One of the larger donators? Tom Izzo.
Closing Thoughts: Most teams would struggle with the loss of the nation's leading scorer and a Hobey Baker top-ten finalist. In Hirose, MSU loses a player who stirred the drink that was Michigan State's offense. It's difficult to convey how many passes and opportunities went through him. Of the games MSU scored a goal, there were only five that Hirose didn't end up with at least one point.
Still, that the Spartans only need to replace one of its triumvirate (Khodorenko and Lewandowski, while both being undrafted free agents, returned to East Lansing) can be seen as a slight win. The KHL Line is no more, but the foundation at least remains.
And that will be important for Danton Cole's team. With or without Hirose, finding secondary scoring is a necessity for a team that has taken steps in the right direction during Cole's first two seasons. (See: Drew DeRidder working his way into a goaltending platoon with John Lethemon, sweeping Cornell, Tommy Miller's play.) The highest scoring returnee outside the KHL Line had five goals. MSU not only needs to replace Hirose. The Spartans need to create offense.
The best way to stop one line? Force teams to work on shutting down a second line.
Recent 60 Days. 60 Teams. 600 Words (or Less) Features
New Hampshire
Boston College
Bemidji State
RIT
Every Team So Far
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If you enjoyed this blog, you can follow Nate on Twitter and like/subscribe to his Facebook page. Thanks!
Saturday, June 22, 2019
NHL Draft 2019: The Rest of The Big Ten and Upper Midwest
Friday's first round was a big night for the Big Ten.
Five of the nine players with college ties selected in the 2019 NHL Draft's first round will be attending Big Ten programs this fall. That total includes two players apiece from the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin, which had the highest drafted player in forward Alex Turcotte, chosen 5th overall by the Los Angeles Kings.
Overall, 19 players at or heading to Big Ten schools were drafted this weekend as all seven programs had at least one player hear their name called.
Additionally, 11 players either attending Upper Midwest schools or from Minnesota and attending schools outside the region were drafted this weekend.
All can be found below. For a summary of the University of Minnesota's NHL Draft weekend, click here.
Five of the nine players with college ties selected in the 2019 NHL Draft's first round will be attending Big Ten programs this fall. That total includes two players apiece from the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin, which had the highest drafted player in forward Alex Turcotte, chosen 5th overall by the Los Angeles Kings.
Overall, 19 players at or heading to Big Ten schools were drafted this weekend as all seven programs had at least one player hear their name called.
Additionally, 11 players either attending Upper Midwest schools or from Minnesota and attending schools outside the region were drafted this weekend.
All can be found below. For a summary of the University of Minnesota's NHL Draft weekend, click here.
Friday, June 7, 2019
BLOG: Analyzing the Big Ten's 2019-20 Non-Conference Schedule
Wednesday (June 5, 2019) saw most of the Big Ten teams announcing full 2019-20 schedules.
I already wrote some thoughts on Minnesota's schedule, but one that continues to stick is the Gopher non-conference schedule. From a name value and competition standpoint, Minnesota's foes outside the Big Ten hit on both. The Gophers will be tested.
So with the idea that, on (digital) paper, Minnesota's non-conference schedule should be tough, I wanted to see how it compared to the rest of the conference.
Turns out, of the six Big Ten schools who ended up releasing full schedules, Minnesota faces the toughest set of teams based on last year's Pairwise. That makes sense. The Gophers play two of the top three overall teams and are the only school who released a schedule to not play a team finishing in the bottom-10.
Minnesota's schedule also falls in line with other Big Ten trends, however. The Gophers scheduled nearby schools and old foes. There's little traveling - several schools only take one trip outside its home state - and a slant towards home games in the home/road split.
Each Big Ten non-conference schedule can be found below:
I already wrote some thoughts on Minnesota's schedule, but one that continues to stick is the Gopher non-conference schedule. From a name value and competition standpoint, Minnesota's foes outside the Big Ten hit on both. The Gophers will be tested.
So with the idea that, on (digital) paper, Minnesota's non-conference schedule should be tough, I wanted to see how it compared to the rest of the conference.
Turns out, of the six Big Ten schools who ended up releasing full schedules, Minnesota faces the toughest set of teams based on last year's Pairwise. That makes sense. The Gophers play two of the top three overall teams and are the only school who released a schedule to not play a team finishing in the bottom-10.
Minnesota's schedule also falls in line with other Big Ten trends, however. The Gophers scheduled nearby schools and old foes. There's little traveling - several schools only take one trip outside its home state - and a slant towards home games in the home/road split.
Each Big Ten non-conference schedule can be found below:
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Podcast: That Gopher Hockey Puckcast Episode 16
On a nearly two hour long episode 16 of That Gopher Hockey Puckcast I got sent to Grand Forks.
The "world famous" Nate Wells sits down with Drew Cove and producer Tom Schreier to tell the story of his delayed trip back from New York City, where the Gophers defeated Michigan State. They break down the highs and lows of the weekend before turning focus to Minnesota hosting #1 Notre Dame. Plus: We answer your questions, including our Hobey Baker candidates and crowd atmosphere at Mariucci over the last couple seasons.
Those counting the number of times we name drop Eric Vegoe can directly download here.
As a reminder, if you subscribed to our old podcast, that feed will no longer work. You need to subscribe to the 'Cast In Gold feed wherever you listen to podcasts. Here it is on iTunes. While you're at it, please leave a review and give us five stars. It helps out the podcast.
-Nate can be found here on this website and at The Athletic (as well as every other website if the various links here don't make clear). You can follow him on Twitter @gopherstate and like/subscribe to his Facebook page.
The "world famous" Nate Wells sits down with Drew Cove and producer Tom Schreier to tell the story of his delayed trip back from New York City, where the Gophers defeated Michigan State. They break down the highs and lows of the weekend before turning focus to Minnesota hosting #1 Notre Dame. Plus: We answer your questions, including our Hobey Baker candidates and crowd atmosphere at Mariucci over the last couple seasons.
Those counting the number of times we name drop Eric Vegoe can directly download here.
As a reminder, if you subscribed to our old podcast, that feed will no longer work. You need to subscribe to the 'Cast In Gold feed wherever you listen to podcasts. Here it is on iTunes. While you're at it, please leave a review and give us five stars. It helps out the podcast.
Plugs and stuff
-Drew can be found on Twitter @covedrew and covers Minnesota men's hockey and football for the Minnesota Daily.-Nate can be found here on this website and at The Athletic (as well as every other website if the various links here don't make clear). You can follow him on Twitter @gopherstate and like/subscribe to his Facebook page.
Friday, January 26, 2018
BLOG: Leftover New York City "Super Saturday" Thoughts
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| All Photos: Nathan Wells |
New York, I love you (for college hockey)...
-Let's start with this: I'm a fan of more college hockey in New York City.
-There's something special about seeing and covering a game at Madison Square Gardern. It starts outside, getting out of Penn Station below the building or walking up and seeing the 10 story circular building. You feel the history inside the World's Most Famous Arena. Muhammad Ali fought there. Patrick Ewing played there. Decades of Rangers have skated on the ice.
Inside the building feels new thanks to a recent renovation. You can tell it's a renovation, however, with some of the odd paths and ways to get around. (Ice/court level is on the fifth level.) I got completely lost leaving the building the first time.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Game Story: Brent Gates Jr. makes it in New York, leading Gophers to Madison Square Garden win (Zone Coverage)
NEW YORK CITY- Start spreading the news. Minnesota is leaving New York, New York Saturday with a season sweep over Michigan State.
The Gophers went to Madison Square Garden as part of the third annual Big Ten “Super Saturday” hockey-hoops doubleheader. While the men’s basketball team fell 67-49 to Ohio State earlier in the day, the men’s hockey team bounced back to skate away with a 2-1 win over the Spartans.
“It was a great experience for our players and our staff to come out here and play at such a historic venue, but as we told our players it’s only fun when you win,” Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. “We had to grind out a win tonight. It wasn’t easy. I kept talking to our players that sometimes when you don’t have your legs or your hands that you need to find a backup game and find a way to win.”
Minnesota (15-12-1, 6-9-1-1 Big Ten) junior forward Brent Gates Jr. proved he can make it both here in New York and anywhere, scoring the game-winning goal with 3:29 remaining in regulation. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native, who grew up going to Spartans games, continued a hot weekend that began with two assists in East Lansing Thursday.
His goal came off of a bouncing pass by teammate Jack Ramsey that was able to be batted past Michigan State (9-16-1, 3-12-1-1 Big Ten) goaltender John Lethemon, who made 20 saves.
The Gophers went to Madison Square Garden as part of the third annual Big Ten “Super Saturday” hockey-hoops doubleheader. While the men’s basketball team fell 67-49 to Ohio State earlier in the day, the men’s hockey team bounced back to skate away with a 2-1 win over the Spartans.
“It was a great experience for our players and our staff to come out here and play at such a historic venue, but as we told our players it’s only fun when you win,” Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. “We had to grind out a win tonight. It wasn’t easy. I kept talking to our players that sometimes when you don’t have your legs or your hands that you need to find a backup game and find a way to win.”
Minnesota (15-12-1, 6-9-1-1 Big Ten) junior forward Brent Gates Jr. proved he can make it both here in New York and anywhere, scoring the game-winning goal with 3:29 remaining in regulation. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native, who grew up going to Spartans games, continued a hot weekend that began with two assists in East Lansing Thursday.
His goal came off of a bouncing pass by teammate Jack Ramsey that was able to be batted past Michigan State (9-16-1, 3-12-1-1 Big Ten) goaltender John Lethemon, who made 20 saves.
Click here to read the rest!
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Pregame Blog: Minnesota vs. Michigan State Super Saturday Line Combinations & More
Greetings from Madison Square Garden!
I'm here for the Big Ten's Super Saturday where the Gophers (5-4 winners Thursday in the opening game) will face Michigan State (technically the home team) later tonight in the second game of a hockey-hoops doubleheader. Minnesota basketball already played, losing 67-49 to Ohio State.
That's right. On Hockey Day Minnesota, I was in New York covering my first college basketball game.
Records: #13/14 Minnesota (14-12-1, 5-9-1-1 Big Ten), Michigan State (9-15-1, 3-11-1-1 Big Ten)
Date: Saturday January 20th
Time: 7:00 pm CT
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: 1130 KTLK AM in Twin Cities
Stream: BTN2Go/Fox Sports Go/TSN Go
Nate is covering for tonight: Zone Coverage/The Athletic
Thursday, January 18, 2018
That Gopher Hockey Puckcast Episode 15 (with Amy Moritz)
On episode 15 of That Gopher Hockey Puckcast we do talk Gopher hockey...eventually.
With Nate calling in from New York City, Drew, producer Tom Schreier and him spend the first 10-15 minutes on traveling, the Vikings and Minneapolis Miracle (which Nate covered in person).
They then turn attention to Minnesota being swept by Michigan and the resulting fallout. The players-only meeting, the lack of offense, lack of Big Ten success this season and lack of direction, among other topics. Where does the team go from here? They also preview the weekend's unique series against Michigan State and Minnesota's NCAA Tournament chances.
In between (33:00 mark) Amy Moritz of The Buffalo News comes on to give her perspective on the World Juniors, covering an outdoor game, Buffalo's fascination with Casey Mittelstadt and what it's like to write a book.
With Nate calling in from New York City, Drew, producer Tom Schreier and him spend the first 10-15 minutes on traveling, the Vikings and Minneapolis Miracle (which Nate covered in person).
They then turn attention to Minnesota being swept by Michigan and the resulting fallout. The players-only meeting, the lack of offense, lack of Big Ten success this season and lack of direction, among other topics. Where does the team go from here? They also preview the weekend's unique series against Michigan State and Minnesota's NCAA Tournament chances.
In between (33:00 mark) Amy Moritz of The Buffalo News comes on to give her perspective on the World Juniors, covering an outdoor game, Buffalo's fascination with Casey Mittelstadt and what it's like to write a book.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Podcast: That Gopher Hockey Puckast Episode 7
On this week's extended That Gopher Hockey Puckast, Nate and Drew pat themselves on the back for talking college hockey.
First, they discuss Minnesota's sweep over Michigan State last weekend. Topics include Eric Schierhorn's play against the Spartans and throughout the first 10 games, quick starts, Tyler Sheehy getting his first goal, more offense from the blue line, and where the line can be drawn in celebrating a goal.
Then, Paula Weston comes on the show to lend her expertise on this week's opponent, Michigan. She gives the low down on the current state of the Wolverines, the transition from Red Berenson to Mel Pearson, potential 2018 first round pick Quinn Hughes, who is surprising and much more. Paula also discusses the rest of the Big Ten and what she thinks of Notre Dame joining the conference.
Finally, Nate and Drew, joined by producer Tom Schreier, dip into the mailbag and answer questions on the Pairwise, Minnesota continuing its four game win streak and which is weirder: kicking a player or scoring a goal from your butt?
Those trying to high-five their opponents can directly download here.
As a reminder, if you subscribed to our old podcast, that feed will no longer work. You need to subscribe to the 'Cast In Gold feed wherever you listen to podcasts. Here it is on iTunes. While you're at it, please leave a review and give us five stars.
-Drew can be found on Twitter @covedrew and covers Minnesota men's hockey and football for the Minnesota Daily. His most recent feature, mentioned on the show, is on Casey Mittelstadt.
-Nate can be found here on this website and at The Athletic (as well as every other website if the various links here don't make clear). You can follow him on Twitter @gopherstate and like/subscribe to his Facebook page.
The two #weirdhockey plays mentioned on the show.
BC sophomore goaltender Joe Woll's kicking game DQ
Northern Michigan's Robbie Payne scoring a butt goal.
First, they discuss Minnesota's sweep over Michigan State last weekend. Topics include Eric Schierhorn's play against the Spartans and throughout the first 10 games, quick starts, Tyler Sheehy getting his first goal, more offense from the blue line, and where the line can be drawn in celebrating a goal.
Then, Paula Weston comes on the show to lend her expertise on this week's opponent, Michigan. She gives the low down on the current state of the Wolverines, the transition from Red Berenson to Mel Pearson, potential 2018 first round pick Quinn Hughes, who is surprising and much more. Paula also discusses the rest of the Big Ten and what she thinks of Notre Dame joining the conference.
Finally, Nate and Drew, joined by producer Tom Schreier, dip into the mailbag and answer questions on the Pairwise, Minnesota continuing its four game win streak and which is weirder: kicking a player or scoring a goal from your butt?
Those trying to high-five their opponents can directly download here.
As a reminder, if you subscribed to our old podcast, that feed will no longer work. You need to subscribe to the 'Cast In Gold feed wherever you listen to podcasts. Here it is on iTunes. While you're at it, please leave a review and give us five stars.
Plugs and stuff
-Paula is a Michigan-based writer who covers the Big Ten for USCHO.com. She can be found on Twitter @paulacweston.-Drew can be found on Twitter @covedrew and covers Minnesota men's hockey and football for the Minnesota Daily. His most recent feature, mentioned on the show, is on Casey Mittelstadt.
-Nate can be found here on this website and at The Athletic (as well as every other website if the various links here don't make clear). You can follow him on Twitter @gopherstate and like/subscribe to his Facebook page.
The two #weirdhockey plays mentioned on the show.
BC sophomore goaltender Joe Woll's kicking game DQ
So Joe Woll's game DQ was for "kicking." Doubt that gets reversed. You do indeed see him give a kick at a guy at about the 17 second mark. pic.twitter.com/8TyBCEJWlS— BC Interruption (@bcinterruption) November 5, 2017
Northern Michigan's Robbie Payne scoring a butt goal.
Play until you hear the whistle, right @SportsCenter? Payne's score in a 4-1 @NMUHockey victory over #9 @msumavericks! #SCtop10 #ShareNMU pic.twitter.com/8M4QMj9Df3— NMU Athletics (@NMU_Wildcats) November 5, 2017
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Pregame Blog: 3 Thoughts From Friday, Minnesota-Michigan State Line Saturday Combinations & More
Michigan State (4-3-0, 0-1-0-0 Big Ten) at #5 Minnesota (6-3-0, 2-1-0-0 Big Ten)
Date: November 4, 2017Time: 4:00 pm CT - NOTE THE EARLY TIME
Place: 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, MN
TV: Fox Sports North
Stream: BTN2Go/Fox Sports Go
Radio: 1130 KTLK-AM (Wally Shaver and Frank Mazzocco)
Nate is covering for tonight: Zone Coverage and The Athletic
Last night's recap: Ryan Lindgren, Minnesota D shine in win
Pregame Listening: That Gopher Hockey Puckast Episode 6
Game Story: Ryan Lindgren, Minnesota D shines in 3-1 win over Michigan State (Zone Coverage)
MINNEAPOLIS- At the same end of the Mariucci Arena rink where he had to be helped off the last time Michigan State was in town, a healthy Ryan Lindgren spun, fell to the ice and got back up. The Gopher sophomore defenseman could celebrate this time around.
He had scored a goal.
Minnesota (6-3-0, 2-1-0-0 Big Ten) added two more Friday and get help from its defense in a 3-1 victory over the Spartans.
“I thought our D were active tonight,” said Minnesota head coach Don Lucia. “They were much more assertive in their play, something we’ve really tried to get them more involved from an offensive standpoint so it was nice to see them score the goal.”
It began early Friday on No. 5 Minnesota’s first shot of the game. Lindgren and junior defenseman Jack Sadek, part of a Gopher blue line that had two total goals this season, combined for the team’s opening goal 3:22 into the game.
Lindgren, whose freshman season ended last March when he broke his leg trying to beat out an icing call against MSU’s Taro Hirose, hustled to the net.
He had scored a goal.
Minnesota (6-3-0, 2-1-0-0 Big Ten) added two more Friday and get help from its defense in a 3-1 victory over the Spartans.
“I thought our D were active tonight,” said Minnesota head coach Don Lucia. “They were much more assertive in their play, something we’ve really tried to get them more involved from an offensive standpoint so it was nice to see them score the goal.”
It began early Friday on No. 5 Minnesota’s first shot of the game. Lindgren and junior defenseman Jack Sadek, part of a Gopher blue line that had two total goals this season, combined for the team’s opening goal 3:22 into the game.
Lindgren, whose freshman season ended last March when he broke his leg trying to beat out an icing call against MSU’s Taro Hirose, hustled to the net.
Click here to read the rest!
Friday, November 3, 2017
Pregame Blog: Minnesota-Michigan State Friday line combinations, TV Schedule & More
Michigan State (4-2-0, 0-0-0-0 Big Ten) at #5 Minnesota (5-3-0, 1-1-0-0 Big Ten)
Date: November 3, 2017Time: 7:00 pm CT
Place: 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, MN
TV: Fox Sports North/Fox Sports Detroit Plus
Stream: BTN2Go/Fox Sports Go
Radio: 1130 KTLK-AM (Wally Shaver and Frank Mazzocco)
Nate is covering for tonight: Zone Coverage and The Athletic
Pregame Listening: That Gopher Hockey Puckast Episode 6
Greetings once again from snowy Minneapolis, where fall, we hardly knew you.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Catching up with Minnesota & college hockey (May 2017)
Here's what has been going on with Gopher hockey that you may or may not missed this month. Don't worry if you fall into the latter category. It is the offseason, after all.
-As far as the men's team goes, Minnesota still remains without an assistant coach. It's one of two college hockey vacancies although the other (Michigan assistant) appears to be filled yet not announced. Don't expect the Gophers to go too much longer (sometime this week or early next) without Grant Potulny's replacement. With the school year over and interviews had, little is left other than naming a new assistant.
The job is open due to Potulny last month taking over as head coach of Northern Michigan.
-While the men have already announced its 2017-18 schedule, the women's schedule won't be out until June. North Dakota's decision to drop the sport put much of the calendar in flux. Each of the remaining seven WCHA teams had four games to fill.
I'm interested to see Minnesota's final result. Booking non-conference games in the past has been a challenge. Between travel (other than Lindenwood, every non-WCHA school is east of Ohio and a flight), financial (it's cheaper for ECAC and Hockey East teams to play one another) and competition, the Gophers ended up with interesting non-conference schedules. Minnesota hosted "1 for 2" with Penn State and BU where the Gophers played a single game against those two teams at home (St. Cloud State came down to be the fourth team) for a two-game road series.
-As far as the men's team goes, Minnesota still remains without an assistant coach. It's one of two college hockey vacancies although the other (Michigan assistant) appears to be filled yet not announced. Don't expect the Gophers to go too much longer (sometime this week or early next) without Grant Potulny's replacement. With the school year over and interviews had, little is left other than naming a new assistant.
The job is open due to Potulny last month taking over as head coach of Northern Michigan.
-While the men have already announced its 2017-18 schedule, the women's schedule won't be out until June. North Dakota's decision to drop the sport put much of the calendar in flux. Each of the remaining seven WCHA teams had four games to fill.
I'm interested to see Minnesota's final result. Booking non-conference games in the past has been a challenge. Between travel (other than Lindenwood, every non-WCHA school is east of Ohio and a flight), financial (it's cheaper for ECAC and Hockey East teams to play one another) and competition, the Gophers ended up with interesting non-conference schedules. Minnesota hosted "1 for 2" with Penn State and BU where the Gophers played a single game against those two teams at home (St. Cloud State came down to be the fourth team) for a two-game road series.
The team technically played 33 games each of the past two seasons in spite of needing to fill only six non-conference games. One of those was the US Hall of Fame Game where Minnesota faced a fellow WCHA team. Two others that didn't count were against the post-collegiate Minntesota Whitecaps (another team with issues scheduling others).
With an extra four to fill this season, going from 28 to 24 WCHA games, would playing conference opponents in non-conference be the case again? Does it open up new opportunities for Minnesota? What effects does this have for other WCHA teams? Plenty of good questions will be answered.
With an extra four to fill this season, going from 28 to 24 WCHA games, would playing conference opponents in non-conference be the case again? Does it open up new opportunities for Minnesota? What effects does this have for other WCHA teams? Plenty of good questions will be answered.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
2017 Big Ten Hockey Tournament Preview
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| Photo from 2015 |
A quick and dirty Big Ten preview prior to the games beginning later this afternoon in Detroit, Michigan.
Favorite: Minnesota
As the 2016-17 Big Ten regular champions, the Gophers enter as the favorite and in the precarious position of not needing to play for a NCAA Tournament bid. Minnesota has one wrapped up regardless. However, the Gophers do have an incentive to win the 2017 Big Ten tournament. The team is playing for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Minnesota needs a win or two to accomplish.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Game Story: Minnesota ties in finale, loses Lindgren to injury (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
3/11/2017 Game Story
Michigan State 1
Minnesota 1
FINAL (OT)
*Michigan State won the shootout 2-1 to take the extra point for Big Ten conference purposes
MINNEAPOLIS-
Minnesota was able to salvage a point Saturday on Senior Night thanks to a senior. Unfortunately for the Gophers, their game against Michigan State likely was played at the expense of a freshman defenseman.
Senior Jake Bischoff finished a tic-tac-toe play among himself, Rem Pitlick and Justin Kloos as Minnesota and the Spartans ended Saturday’s regular-season finale tied at 1.
Michigan State won a shootout to earn an extra point for Big Ten conference purposes. Officially, the game ends as a tie.
Bischoff’s goal came after his defensive partner, freshman Ryan Lindgren, had to be helped off the ice without putting any weight on his leg late in the second period.
“It’s not looking good to be honest. We’ll know more this week,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said after the game about Lindgren, who has a goal and six assists in 31 games.
Lindgren collided with Taro Hirose and went feet first in the boards with 1:29 remaining. He tried to get up off the ice and went back down, pounding the ice and visibly in pain. Minnesota spent the rest of the game playing with five defensemen.
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Michigan State 1
Minnesota 1
FINAL (OT)
*Michigan State won the shootout 2-1 to take the extra point for Big Ten conference purposes
MINNEAPOLIS-
Minnesota was able to salvage a point Saturday on Senior Night thanks to a senior. Unfortunately for the Gophers, their game against Michigan State likely was played at the expense of a freshman defenseman.
Senior Jake Bischoff finished a tic-tac-toe play among himself, Rem Pitlick and Justin Kloos as Minnesota and the Spartans ended Saturday’s regular-season finale tied at 1.
Michigan State won a shootout to earn an extra point for Big Ten conference purposes. Officially, the game ends as a tie.
Bischoff’s goal came after his defensive partner, freshman Ryan Lindgren, had to be helped off the ice without putting any weight on his leg late in the second period.
“It’s not looking good to be honest. We’ll know more this week,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said after the game about Lindgren, who has a goal and six assists in 31 games.
Lindgren collided with Taro Hirose and went feet first in the boards with 1:29 remaining. He tried to get up off the ice and went back down, pounding the ice and visibly in pain. Minnesota spent the rest of the game playing with five defensemen.
Click here to read the rest!
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Pregame Blog: Minnesota-MSU Senior Night Line Combinations
Saturday's Game Info
Michigan State at #5 Minnesota
Date: March 11, 2017
Time: 7:00 pm CT (8:00 pm ET)
Place: Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis, MN
TV: Fox Sports North Plus (Doug McLeod and Ben Clymer)
Stream: Fox Sports Go (Free for cable subscribers)
Radio: 1500 ESPN (Wally Shaver and Frank Mazzocco)
Nate is covering for tonight: St. Paul Pioneer Press
Game Story: Gophers blank Spartans, win Big Ten championship (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
3/10/2017 Game Story
Michigan State 0
Minnesota 4
FINAL
MINNEAPOLIS- Jack Sadek skated off the ice at the end of the first period having scored more goals in 20 minutes than he had in two years with the Gophers.
In 45 games prior, the sophomore defenseman from Lakeville and Minnesota Wild draft pick had one goal as a Gopher. Making up for lost time and getting a chance to finally show off some goal celebration moves, Sadek finished with two as Minnesota defeated Michigan State 4-0 Friday night at Mariucci Arena.
“I said earlier that I don’t think I’ve scored twice in a game,” Sadek said between laughs. “It feels good to help out the team in a big game.”
With two celebrations in hand, Sadek and his teammates added another after the game. Minnesota’s victory clinched at least a share of its fourth Big Ten Conference championship in four years, and the Gophers became outright champions 45 minutes later when Ohio State beat Wisconsin 5-1.
The Gophers (23-10-2, 14-5-0-0 Big Ten) have put together sixth straight conference championship seasons, including the last two as a member of the WCHA before that league realigned.
“You’re happy for the guys. You feel like it was going to happen this weekend, but you still have to go out and earn it,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said following the win.
Click here to read the rest!
Michigan State 0
Minnesota 4
FINAL
MINNEAPOLIS- Jack Sadek skated off the ice at the end of the first period having scored more goals in 20 minutes than he had in two years with the Gophers.
In 45 games prior, the sophomore defenseman from Lakeville and Minnesota Wild draft pick had one goal as a Gopher. Making up for lost time and getting a chance to finally show off some goal celebration moves, Sadek finished with two as Minnesota defeated Michigan State 4-0 Friday night at Mariucci Arena.
“I said earlier that I don’t think I’ve scored twice in a game,” Sadek said between laughs. “It feels good to help out the team in a big game.”
With two celebrations in hand, Sadek and his teammates added another after the game. Minnesota’s victory clinched at least a share of its fourth Big Ten Conference championship in four years, and the Gophers became outright champions 45 minutes later when Ohio State beat Wisconsin 5-1.
The Gophers (23-10-2, 14-5-0-0 Big Ten) have put together sixth straight conference championship seasons, including the last two as a member of the WCHA before that league realigned.
“You’re happy for the guys. You feel like it was going to happen this weekend, but you still have to go out and earn it,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said following the win.
Click here to read the rest!
Friday, February 10, 2017
BLOG: 2017 Big Ten Midseason Awards & Storylines To Follow
In a college hockey season with several opportunities to mark milestones we’ve reached another. This week marks the midway point of Big Ten conference race, which itself splits the season into two separate and distinct halves. Each team has played ten games. Ten games remain.
To kick off the stretch run, and because I am not in Columbus this weekend to cover the Gophers (please note there will be no pregame blogs or game recaps), here are some superlatives and awards. Let's be honest. If there is one thing people love, it’s lists and awards for a ten game stretch.
To kick off the stretch run, and because I am not in Columbus this weekend to cover the Gophers (please note there will be no pregame blogs or game recaps), here are some superlatives and awards. Let's be honest. If there is one thing people love, it’s lists and awards for a ten game stretch.
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