Casey Mittelstadt is "50/50" to play against Clarkson this weekend.
The freshman forward did skate Wednesday, dealing with an upper body injury. Mittelstadt, who has 2 goals and 2 assists in 5 games, was kept out of Saturday's 4-0 loss to North Dakota as a precaution after being cross-checked during Friday's 2-1 victory, according to Minnesota head coach Don Lucia.
"He'll skate (Thursday). I would say he's 50/50. We'll see where he's at come Friday night," Lucia said.
Lucia also said that Mittelstadt wanted to play. At this point of the season, however, the team would rather error on the side of caution.
Showing posts with label Justin Kloos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Justin Kloos. Show all posts
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
BLOG: How to get your offseason hockey fix & watch Gophers all at once
Friday and Saturday marked the midpoint of Minnesota's offseason. Each passing day brings us closer to the start of a new year, so it should be no surprise that mid-July features players ramping up in preparation.
In addition to ongoing NHL development camps, several University of Minnesota players are spending their July and August participating in Da Beauty League. Featuring Twin Cities-based NHLers, minor leaguers and collegians playing 4x4 hockey at Braemar Arena in Edina, the league's second season begins today (July 12, 2017) and runs through August. For three games a night (5:10 pm, 6:35 pm, 8:00 pm) at $10 it's a decent value.
In addition to ongoing NHL development camps, several University of Minnesota players are spending their July and August participating in Da Beauty League. Featuring Twin Cities-based NHLers, minor leaguers and collegians playing 4x4 hockey at Braemar Arena in Edina, the league's second season begins today (July 12, 2017) and runs through August. For three games a night (5:10 pm, 6:35 pm, 8:00 pm) at $10 it's a decent value.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Puck Dynasty Podcast: The Autopsy of the 2016-17 Gopher Men's Hockey Team (Episode 20)
Puck Dynasty is a weekly in-season podcast covering the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team and college hockey. Nathan Wells (SB Nation College Hockey/various outlets), Declan Goff (1500 ESPN/GoMN Sports) and Drew Cove (Minnesota Daily) discuss the latest news, analysis and give their opinions about the Gophers and sport as a whole.
This week Declan, Drew and Nate open the show dissecting the Gophers’ loss to Notre Dame at the opening round of the NCAA Tournament; the first wave of players signing NHL contracts; the impact of next year’s incoming freshman class, plus a ton of Twitter questions!
The guys close the show previewing the Frozen Four and their most-improved Gopher players. Thank you to everyone who listen/subscribed to the Puck Dynasty podcast this season.
Those trying to explain Megabus to Lou Nanne can directly download at 1500 ESPN, Podcast One or subscribe on iTunes.
Follow Nate (@gopherstate), Declan (@dexstweets) and Drew (@drewcove48) on Twitter. If you like what you hear, be sure to give it a five star review on whatever platform you consume podcasts.
This week Declan, Drew and Nate open the show dissecting the Gophers’ loss to Notre Dame at the opening round of the NCAA Tournament; the first wave of players signing NHL contracts; the impact of next year’s incoming freshman class, plus a ton of Twitter questions!
The guys close the show previewing the Frozen Four and their most-improved Gopher players. Thank you to everyone who listen/subscribed to the Puck Dynasty podcast this season.
Those trying to explain Megabus to Lou Nanne can directly download at 1500 ESPN, Podcast One or subscribe on iTunes.
Follow Nate (@gopherstate), Declan (@dexstweets) and Drew (@drewcove48) on Twitter. If you like what you hear, be sure to give it a five star review on whatever platform you consume podcasts.
Justin Kloos signs with Minnesota Wild
 |
| Minnesota forward Justin Kloos in Nov 2016 |
The Minnesota Wild announced Wednesday that the team signed University of Minnesota senior forward Justin Kloos to a two year, entry-level contract that begins in 2017-18. He will spend the rest of the season with the Iowa Wild (AHL) on an amateur tryout agreement.
Kloos, who went undrafted, had his choice of teams and went the Wild, with whom he attended prospect development camp this past summer. He ended 2016-17 with a career-high 18 goals and 43 points in 38 games.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Minnesota sees two goal lead, season disappear against Notre Dame
Three years ago in the visiting locker room of Wells Fargo Center, Minnesota's freshman class experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows.
Their team had defeated its biggest rival with a final second buzzer-beater win. Then two days later they fell short to Union in the 2014 national championship game.
They - Jake Bischoff, Taylor Cammarata, Justin Kloos, Vinni Lettieri and Connor Reilly (Mitch Rogge joined later) - spent three years trying to get that feeling back.
Several came back this season for an opportunity to change the past. They turned down NHL offers in order to be the one team of 60 who doesn't conclude their year with a loss. In the process they earned a #1 seed and fourth straight regular season title.
Nearly tasting ultimate success as freshmen, that's the closest they'll get.
Manchester, NH marks the end for the second time in three years. They leave SNHU Center short of the Frozen Four with Minnesota's season and, for the seniors, their college careers over, losing 3-2 to Notre Dame at the NCAA Northeast Regional semifinal.
Their team had defeated its biggest rival with a final second buzzer-beater win. Then two days later they fell short to Union in the 2014 national championship game.
They - Jake Bischoff, Taylor Cammarata, Justin Kloos, Vinni Lettieri and Connor Reilly (Mitch Rogge joined later) - spent three years trying to get that feeling back.
Several came back this season for an opportunity to change the past. They turned down NHL offers in order to be the one team of 60 who doesn't conclude their year with a loss. In the process they earned a #1 seed and fourth straight regular season title.
Nearly tasting ultimate success as freshmen, that's the closest they'll get.
Manchester, NH marks the end for the second time in three years. They leave SNHU Center short of the Frozen Four with Minnesota's season and, for the seniors, their college careers over, losing 3-2 to Notre Dame at the NCAA Northeast Regional semifinal.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Game Story: Penn State beats Gophers in 2nd OT of Big Ten tournament semifinal (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
3/17/2017 Game Story
Big Ten conference tournament semifinal
#4 Penn State 4
#1 Minnesota 3
FINAL (2OT)
DETROIT – Twenty-seven days removed from a last-second goal and ensuing overtime road victory against Penn State, the Gophers men’s hockey team was unable to repeat the feat Friday night at Joe Louis Arena.
Despite a career-high 59 saves by Eric Schierhorn, Penn State defeated the Gophers for the first time in five meetings this season.
Nittany Lions defenseman Erik Autio pinched and put a Denis Smirnov pass into the back of the net to take home the program’s first-ever NCAA tournament berth and hand the Gophers a 4-3 double-overtime loss in a Big Ten tournament semifinal. At a total of 93 minutes, 33 seconds, it was the longest game in Big Ten history, and it was an emotional one for the Gophers.
“We played hard and we blocked a lot of shots toward the end,” said Schierhorn, who for the third consecutive game against Penn State set a career high in saves. “We battled. We did. You can’t say we didn’t try and play our hearts out.”
Playing before a crowd announced at 2,791, the Gophers (23-11-3) were able to tie Penn State 3:42 into the third period on defenseman Jack Sadek’s third goal in three games. Like Minnesota’s tying goal in late February, this one came directly off of a faceoff.
The Big Ten regular- season champions had chances late in the game and during overtime. Michigan native Mike Szmatula came closest in the first overtime period. However, it took Penn State (23-11-2) getting the first power play in over two periods on a Leon Bristedt holding call to score the winner.
Click here to read the rest!
Big Ten conference tournament semifinal
#4 Penn State 4
#1 Minnesota 3
FINAL (2OT)
DETROIT – Twenty-seven days removed from a last-second goal and ensuing overtime road victory against Penn State, the Gophers men’s hockey team was unable to repeat the feat Friday night at Joe Louis Arena.
Despite a career-high 59 saves by Eric Schierhorn, Penn State defeated the Gophers for the first time in five meetings this season.
Nittany Lions defenseman Erik Autio pinched and put a Denis Smirnov pass into the back of the net to take home the program’s first-ever NCAA tournament berth and hand the Gophers a 4-3 double-overtime loss in a Big Ten tournament semifinal. At a total of 93 minutes, 33 seconds, it was the longest game in Big Ten history, and it was an emotional one for the Gophers.
“We played hard and we blocked a lot of shots toward the end,” said Schierhorn, who for the third consecutive game against Penn State set a career high in saves. “We battled. We did. You can’t say we didn’t try and play our hearts out.”
Playing before a crowd announced at 2,791, the Gophers (23-11-3) were able to tie Penn State 3:42 into the third period on defenseman Jack Sadek’s third goal in three games. Like Minnesota’s tying goal in late February, this one came directly off of a faceoff.
The Big Ten regular- season champions had chances late in the game and during overtime. Michigan native Mike Szmatula came closest in the first overtime period. However, it took Penn State (23-11-2) getting the first power play in over two periods on a Leon Bristedt holding call to score the winner.
Click here to read the rest!
Monday, March 13, 2017
Tyler Sheehy named Big Ten player of the Year; 6 Gophers earn honors
(Portions of this article originally appeared at SB Nation College Hockey)
On Friday, Minnesota won its fourth straight Big Ten regular season championship. On Monday, the Gophers had four of the six spots on the All-Big Ten First Team, led by Big Ten Player of the Year Tyler Sheehy.
Sheehy, senior forward Justin Kloos, senior defenseman Jake Bischoff (New York Islanders) and sophomore goaltender Eric Schierhorn were all named to the All-Big Ten First Team along with Ohio State forward Mason Jobst and Penn State defenseman Vince Pedrie.
On Friday, Minnesota won its fourth straight Big Ten regular season championship. On Monday, the Gophers had four of the six spots on the All-Big Ten First Team, led by Big Ten Player of the Year Tyler Sheehy.
Sheehy, senior forward Justin Kloos, senior defenseman Jake Bischoff (New York Islanders) and sophomore goaltender Eric Schierhorn were all named to the All-Big Ten First Team along with Ohio State forward Mason Jobst and Penn State defenseman Vince Pedrie.
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
Friday, March 10, 2017
Feature: Six seniors put Gopher hockey in a good place (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
One of the best compliments coach Don Lucia could give his six Gophers seniors came going into last weekend’s series against a Michigan team struggling without five players who departed early.
“I guarantee I’m a lot smarter because they’re back,” he said, calling them the team’s difference makers. “They’re guys you can’t replace.”
Minnesota’s 2016-17 senior class — forwards Taylor Cammarata, Justin Kloos, Vinni Lettieri, Connor Reilly and Mitch Rogge, along with defenseman Jake Bischoff — will be honored before Saturday’s regular-season finale against Michigan State. Their final series at Mariucci Arena carries a variety of emotions mixed with an opportunity to make history.
“Experiencing it, you realize (the four years) go by quicker than ever,” Bischoff said. “I’m going to try to live in the weekend and come away with a couple of wins.”
The first class to spend their entire playing tenure in the Big Ten has meant much to Lucia and the Gophers program due to their success and loyalty.
Leading Wisconsin by three points with two games remaining, Minnesota (22-10-2, 13-5-0) needs any combination of four points won by the Gophers or lost by the Badgers to win its fourth consecutive Big Ten regular-season title and sixth in a row overall dating back to 2012.
To do so would be an unprecedented feat in college hockey. Boston University won five straight Hockey East titles between 1993 and 1998.
Click here to read the rest!
“I guarantee I’m a lot smarter because they’re back,” he said, calling them the team’s difference makers. “They’re guys you can’t replace.”
Minnesota’s 2016-17 senior class — forwards Taylor Cammarata, Justin Kloos, Vinni Lettieri, Connor Reilly and Mitch Rogge, along with defenseman Jake Bischoff — will be honored before Saturday’s regular-season finale against Michigan State. Their final series at Mariucci Arena carries a variety of emotions mixed with an opportunity to make history.
“Experiencing it, you realize (the four years) go by quicker than ever,” Bischoff said. “I’m going to try to live in the weekend and come away with a couple of wins.”
The first class to spend their entire playing tenure in the Big Ten has meant much to Lucia and the Gophers program due to their success and loyalty.
Leading Wisconsin by three points with two games remaining, Minnesota (22-10-2, 13-5-0) needs any combination of four points won by the Gophers or lost by the Badgers to win its fourth consecutive Big Ten regular-season title and sixth in a row overall dating back to 2012.
To do so would be an unprecedented feat in college hockey. Boston University won five straight Hockey East titles between 1993 and 1998.
Click here to read the rest!
Friday, March 3, 2017
Puck Dynasty Podcast: Vinni Lettieri: A Goalie's Second-Best Friend (Episode 16)
Puck Dynasty is a weekly podcast covering the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team and college hockey. Nathan Wells (SB Nation College Hockey/various outlets), Declan Goff (1500 ESPN/GoMN Sports) and Drew Cove (Minnesota Daily) discuss the latest news, analysis and give their opinions about the Gophers and sport as a whole.
This week Nate and Declan trudge ahead without an under the weather Drew for a packed episode. They open with answering a number of Twitter questions before moving on to discussing Vinni Lettieri's improved senior season and play in Minnesota's series split against the Badgers. Other weekend topics include a lack of puck luck from those not named Lettieri, Wisconsin's defense, the crowd at Mariucci, Eric Schierhorn's play, and Justin Kloos scoring timely goals
In the second half of the show this weekend's series against Michigan is previewed before ending with a look at the Pairwise rankings and where the Gophers may end up playing a NCAA Tournament regional.
Those whose names Nate butchered can directly download at 1500 ESPN, Podcast One or subscribe on iTunes.
Follow Nate (@gopherstate), Declan (@dexstweets) and Drew (@drewcove48) on Twitter. If you like what you hear, be sure to give it a five star review on whatever platform you consume podcasts.
This week Nate and Declan trudge ahead without an under the weather Drew for a packed episode. They open with answering a number of Twitter questions before moving on to discussing Vinni Lettieri's improved senior season and play in Minnesota's series split against the Badgers. Other weekend topics include a lack of puck luck from those not named Lettieri, Wisconsin's defense, the crowd at Mariucci, Eric Schierhorn's play, and Justin Kloos scoring timely goals
In the second half of the show this weekend's series against Michigan is previewed before ending with a look at the Pairwise rankings and where the Gophers may end up playing a NCAA Tournament regional.
Those whose names Nate butchered can directly download at 1500 ESPN, Podcast One or subscribe on iTunes.
Follow Nate (@gopherstate), Declan (@dexstweets) and Drew (@drewcove48) on Twitter. If you like what you hear, be sure to give it a five star review on whatever platform you consume podcasts.
Friday, February 24, 2017
BLOG: Mike Szmatula's status, roller coaster comebacks returning, Wisconsin turnaround & stakes
Some Friday morning leftovers prior to this weekend's Border Battle:
Redshirt junior forward Mike Szmatula remains day-to-day for this weekend's series against the Badgers with a lower body injury.
"He's a question mark right now. We don't know if he'll play or not play," said head coach Don Lucia. "We'll see where he is (Thursday and Friday).
Redshirt junior forward Mike Szmatula remains day-to-day for this weekend's series against the Badgers with a lower body injury.
"He's a question mark right now. We don't know if he'll play or not play," said head coach Don Lucia. "We'll see where he is (Thursday and Friday).
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Puck Dynasty Podcast: The Road Runner Line Leads The Way Against Penn State
Puck Dynasty is a weekly podcast covering the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team and college hockey. Nathan Wells (SB Nation College Hockey/various outlets), Declan Goff (1500 ESPN/GoMN Sports) and Drew Cove (Minnesota Daily) discuss the latest news, analysis and give their opinions about the Gophers and sport as a whole.
This week, with Nate back in studio from covering the series in State College (for the second straight week he made the long trek from one end of Chicago Midway to the other), the crew lead off by breaking down the ending to Saturday’s Minnesota-Penn State game from all sides. Other topics include the line of Rem Pitlick-Justin Kloos-Tyler Sheehy getting a new nickname, Eric Schierhorn making 80+ saves on the weekend, whether the Gopher offense can carry the team on its own come NCAA Tournament time, unsung penalty kill heroes and a pair of game misconducts on the weekend coupled with a suspension.
The upcoming Border Battle series with Wisconsin is previewed along with a look at which teams on the Pairwise bubble we are interested in following as the season winds down.
Towards the end of the podcast Twitter questions get answered.
1500 ESPNPodcast Onesubscribe on iTunes
This week, with Nate back in studio from covering the series in State College (for the second straight week he made the long trek from one end of Chicago Midway to the other), the crew lead off by breaking down the ending to Saturday’s Minnesota-Penn State game from all sides. Other topics include the line of Rem Pitlick-Justin Kloos-Tyler Sheehy getting a new nickname, Eric Schierhorn making 80+ saves on the weekend, whether the Gopher offense can carry the team on its own come NCAA Tournament time, unsung penalty kill heroes and a pair of game misconducts on the weekend coupled with a suspension.
The upcoming Border Battle series with Wisconsin is previewed along with a look at which teams on the Pairwise bubble we are interested in following as the season winds down.
Towards the end of the podcast Twitter questions get answered.
1500 ESPNPodcast Onesubscribe on iTunes
Show links and notes:
GOAL PENN STATE: Denis Smirnov converts the penalty shot. Video: pic.twitter.com/gENLifOx6C— Nate Wells (@gopherstate) February 19, 2017
Monday, February 20, 2017
Game Story: Minnesota edges Penn State in wild finish to sweep series (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
2/18/2017 Game Story
Minnesota 4
Penn State 3
FINAL (OT)
(Author note: This was one of the craziest regular season games I've covered.)
STATE COLLEGE, PA. — Exactly 12 minutes removed from the sellout crowd at Pegula Arena screaming at the sight of a successful penalty shot, 6,140 fans and 23 players clad in white and blue sweaters left Happy Valley on Saturday night with nothing resembling grins on their faces.
They were stunned, with the air let out of the building. They were wallowing in Minnesota pulling a rabbit out of its hat and pulling the cruel trick of taking away what appeared to be a certain win.
For the fourth time 15 days, the Gophers found a way to win to defeat Penn State in Big Ten Conference play.
Minnesota and Penn State combined for three goals in the final 2:11. The last, by Justin Kloos, tied the score at 3 with 3.5 seconds remaining in the third period to send the game into overtime. In the extra period, linemate Rem Pitlick scored his first career overtime winner with 1:33 remaining to give the Gophers a 4-3 victory and a sweep of the weekend series.
“It was a crazy game. A finish like that, I give our guys a lot of credit for keep believing,” Gophers coach Don Lucia said.
Minnesota 4
Penn State 3
FINAL (OT)
(Author note: This was one of the craziest regular season games I've covered.)
STATE COLLEGE, PA. — Exactly 12 minutes removed from the sellout crowd at Pegula Arena screaming at the sight of a successful penalty shot, 6,140 fans and 23 players clad in white and blue sweaters left Happy Valley on Saturday night with nothing resembling grins on their faces.
They were stunned, with the air let out of the building. They were wallowing in Minnesota pulling a rabbit out of its hat and pulling the cruel trick of taking away what appeared to be a certain win.
For the fourth time 15 days, the Gophers found a way to win to defeat Penn State in Big Ten Conference play.
Minnesota and Penn State combined for three goals in the final 2:11. The last, by Justin Kloos, tied the score at 3 with 3.5 seconds remaining in the third period to send the game into overtime. In the extra period, linemate Rem Pitlick scored his first career overtime winner with 1:33 remaining to give the Gophers a 4-3 victory and a sweep of the weekend series.
“It was a crazy game. A finish like that, I give our guys a lot of credit for keep believing,” Gophers coach Don Lucia said.
Click here to read the rest!GOAL PENN STATE: Denis Smirnov converts the penalty shot. Video: pic.twitter.com/gENLifOx6C— Nate Wells (@gopherstate) February 19, 2017
Game Story: Kloos, Pitlick lead way in win over Penn State (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
2/17/2017 Game Story
Minnesota 6
Penn State 3
FINAL
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Once denied, Justin Kloos and Minnesota could not be stopped a second time on the road against Penn State.
Initially believing he had given the Gophers a 4-2 lead Friday night by tipping a shot through the legs of Penn State goaltender Peyton Jones, Kloos’ first attempt at his 15th goal of the season was overturned. After a review, it was ruled Minnesota’s captain played the puck with a high stick.
Four minutes later, Kris Myllari tied the score at 3 for Penn State. No matter. Kloos put the Gophers ahead for good with six minutes remaining in regulation on the power play, one-timing the puck into the back of the net.
Minnesota scored twice more in the next 4:34 to win 6-3 over the Nittany Lions. The Gophers continue to lead the Big Ten.
“We never really felt like the game was in too much jeopardy. Obviously we got the power play pretty quickly after (Myllari’s goal) and then felt like we had the momentum from there,” said Kloos.
Click here to read the rest!
Minnesota 6
Penn State 3
FINAL
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Once denied, Justin Kloos and Minnesota could not be stopped a second time on the road against Penn State.
Initially believing he had given the Gophers a 4-2 lead Friday night by tipping a shot through the legs of Penn State goaltender Peyton Jones, Kloos’ first attempt at his 15th goal of the season was overturned. After a review, it was ruled Minnesota’s captain played the puck with a high stick.
Four minutes later, Kris Myllari tied the score at 3 for Penn State. No matter. Kloos put the Gophers ahead for good with six minutes remaining in regulation on the power play, one-timing the puck into the back of the net.
Minnesota scored twice more in the next 4:34 to win 6-3 over the Nittany Lions. The Gophers continue to lead the Big Ten.
“We never really felt like the game was in too much jeopardy. Obviously we got the power play pretty quickly after (Myllari’s goal) and then felt like we had the momentum from there,” said Kloos.
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.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Blog: Jake Bischoff, Justin Kloos, Tyler Sheehy among 2017 Hobey Baker nominees
Three University of Minnesota players are among the 66 originally nominated for the 2017 Hobey Baker Award.
Senior defenseman Jake Bischoff, senior forward Justin Kloos and sophomore forward Tyler Sheehy are the Gopher representatives in the fan vote running through March 5th. Each school can nominate up to three representatives.
That's the case for the Gophers. Bischoff, who has a career-high 18 points, leads the Big Ten in blocks with 58. Kloos has 28 points (12G-16A) in 24 games while leading the team as captain. Sheehy leads Minnesota in goals (15) and points (33). His point total also leads the Big Ten and is 12th in the nation.
You can vote here - http://www.hobeybaker.com/vote
Senior defenseman Jake Bischoff, senior forward Justin Kloos and sophomore forward Tyler Sheehy are the Gopher representatives in the fan vote running through March 5th. Each school can nominate up to three representatives.
That's the case for the Gophers. Bischoff, who has a career-high 18 points, leads the Big Ten in blocks with 58. Kloos has 28 points (12G-16A) in 24 games while leading the team as captain. Sheehy leads Minnesota in goals (15) and points (33). His point total also leads the Big Ten and is 12th in the nation.
You can vote here - http://www.hobeybaker.com/vote
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Leftovers From The Wisconsin Series
When your team wins in the Border Battle, it's a quality win.
“It’s always exciting to win in overtime. That’s why they call it sudden death,” said Minnesota head coach Don Lucia on Friday following Justin Kloos' overtime winner. “It was a good win for us.”
"Huge win for our program, our fans," was how Wisconsin redshirt senior Corbin McGuire summed up Saturday's win.
Both Minnesota and Wisconsin played similar games with two different results. The Gophers both nights dominated the first period before the Badgers came back in the second period to tie the game at 2. On Friday, Minnesota re-took the lead. On Saturday, Wisconsin needed 89 seconds to grab it back and take the game in a different direction.
You can read Friday and Saturday's recaps from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, along with an audio accompaniment from Madison.
Here are some other leftover thoughts that didn't make the newspaper.
“It’s always exciting to win in overtime. That’s why they call it sudden death,” said Minnesota head coach Don Lucia on Friday following Justin Kloos' overtime winner. “It was a good win for us.”
"Huge win for our program, our fans," was how Wisconsin redshirt senior Corbin McGuire summed up Saturday's win.
Both Minnesota and Wisconsin played similar games with two different results. The Gophers both nights dominated the first period before the Badgers came back in the second period to tie the game at 2. On Friday, Minnesota re-took the lead. On Saturday, Wisconsin needed 89 seconds to grab it back and take the game in a different direction.
You can read Friday and Saturday's recaps from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, along with an audio accompaniment from Madison.
Here are some other leftover thoughts that didn't make the newspaper.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Pregame Blog: Minnesota at Wisconsin 1/21/17 Line Combinations
One of the biggest plays from Friday's 4-3 overtime win was a goal that didn't count. The Gophers finished off what appeared to be a 2-on-1 play, with Justin Kloos feeding Mike Szmatula for a 3-1 lead with 7:24 remaining in the second period. Instead, Kloos was called for slashing a stick prior to the goal and it was waved off.
Minnesota's captain gave an explanation postgame.
"Came out in the third just after I settled down a little bit and calmed down and could an actual conversation with the ref," he said "They didn't look at replay, but from his angle, would I have wanted that call if my stick was slashed. So I understand where he was coming from, but my whole thing was that there was a closer referee that didn't call it because he saw that I had one hand on my stick and was just battling and didn't step on the guy.
"I understand why he called it and fortunately it didn't end up being a big factor."
Kloos of course ended up getting the last laugh, scoring the overtime-winning goal.
You can catch up with my game story.
Minnesota makes one change Saturday for Hockey Day Minnesota. Ryan Norman takes the spot of Connor Reilly on the fourth line.
University of Minnesota Golden Gophers lines
Forwards
Rem Pitlick (#15) - Justin Kloos (#25) - Tyler Sheehy (#22)
Taylor Cammarata (#13)- Vinni Lettieri (#19) - Leon Bristedt (#18)
Brent Gates Jr. (#10) - Mike Szmatula (#9) - Luke Notermann (#11)
Ryan Norman (#23) - Darian Romanko (#26) - Jack Ramsey (#16)
Defense
Jake Bischoff (#28) - Ryan Lindgren (#5)
Steve Johnson (#4) - Jack Sadek (#2)
Ryan Zuhsldorf (#20) - Ryan Collins (#6)
Goaltenders
Eric Schierhorn (#37)
Nick Lehr (#34)
Brock Kautz (#1)
Wisconsin made three changes from Friday. Senior forward Jedd Soleway is in the lineup, as is defenseman Patrick Sexton. The biggest change comes in net where Matt Jurusik gets the nod over Friday's starter, Jack Berry. The two have been platooning when Jurusik is healthy.
Puck drop is at 5 p.m. CT. The game airs on Fox Sports North.
Minnesota's captain gave an explanation postgame.
"Came out in the third just after I settled down a little bit and calmed down and could an actual conversation with the ref," he said "They didn't look at replay, but from his angle, would I have wanted that call if my stick was slashed. So I understand where he was coming from, but my whole thing was that there was a closer referee that didn't call it because he saw that I had one hand on my stick and was just battling and didn't step on the guy.
"I understand why he called it and fortunately it didn't end up being a big factor."
Kloos of course ended up getting the last laugh, scoring the overtime-winning goal.
You can catch up with my game story.
Minnesota makes one change Saturday for Hockey Day Minnesota. Ryan Norman takes the spot of Connor Reilly on the fourth line.
University of Minnesota Golden Gophers lines
Forwards
Rem Pitlick (#15) - Justin Kloos (#25) - Tyler Sheehy (#22)
Taylor Cammarata (#13)- Vinni Lettieri (#19) - Leon Bristedt (#18)
Brent Gates Jr. (#10) - Mike Szmatula (#9) - Luke Notermann (#11)
Ryan Norman (#23) - Darian Romanko (#26) - Jack Ramsey (#16)
Defense
Jake Bischoff (#28) - Ryan Lindgren (#5)
Steve Johnson (#4) - Jack Sadek (#2)
Ryan Zuhsldorf (#20) - Ryan Collins (#6)
Goaltenders
Eric Schierhorn (#37)
Nick Lehr (#34)
Brock Kautz (#1)
Wisconsin made three changes from Friday. Senior forward Jedd Soleway is in the lineup, as is defenseman Patrick Sexton. The biggest change comes in net where Matt Jurusik gets the nod over Friday's starter, Jack Berry. The two have been platooning when Jurusik is healthy.
Expected lines for this evening's game. 5 p.m. start from the Kohl Center. #Badgers - Gophers. pic.twitter.com/XYruouGSyM— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) January 21, 2017
Puck drop is at 5 p.m. CT. The game airs on Fox Sports North.
Game Story: Gophers beat Wisconsin in OT, extend win streak to 7 (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
January 20, 2017 game story for the St. Paul Pioneer Press
Minnesota 4
Wisconsin 3
FINAL (OT)
MADISON, Wis. — The final scene of Minnesota’s 4-3 overtime victory over Wisconsin on Friday night saw Justin Kloos flip the puck past Badgers goaltender Jack Berry, try to stop, fail at stopping, and then collide with and knock over teammate Rem Pitlick.
It was the effort needed to put away the Badgers on the road in front of 12,589, in a game in which all four Gophers goals came from chances in front of the Wisconsin net.
Wisconsin twice rebounded to tie the score. Minnesota buckled down late, holding off late Badgers chances before Kloos, the Gophers captain, ended the game with his third career overtime goal 1:43 into the extra period.
“Leave it to our other guys, our captains. (Jake Bischoff) made a big block right at the buzzer. Sometimes those plays don’t even get noticed,” Gophers coach Don Lucia said. “Obviously Kloos making a play in overtime, a nice pass from Sheehy for the game-winner.”
The victory was Minnesota’s seventh straight, the longest winning streak for the program since a seven-game streak between Dec. 2, 2006, and Jan. 12, 2007.
Click here to read the full story!
Minnesota 4
Wisconsin 3
FINAL (OT)
MADISON, Wis. — The final scene of Minnesota’s 4-3 overtime victory over Wisconsin on Friday night saw Justin Kloos flip the puck past Badgers goaltender Jack Berry, try to stop, fail at stopping, and then collide with and knock over teammate Rem Pitlick.
It was the effort needed to put away the Badgers on the road in front of 12,589, in a game in which all four Gophers goals came from chances in front of the Wisconsin net.
Wisconsin twice rebounded to tie the score. Minnesota buckled down late, holding off late Badgers chances before Kloos, the Gophers captain, ended the game with his third career overtime goal 1:43 into the extra period.
“Leave it to our other guys, our captains. (Jake Bischoff) made a big block right at the buzzer. Sometimes those plays don’t even get noticed,” Gophers coach Don Lucia said. “Obviously Kloos making a play in overtime, a nice pass from Sheehy for the game-winner.”
The victory was Minnesota’s seventh straight, the longest winning streak for the program since a seven-game streak between Dec. 2, 2006, and Jan. 12, 2007.
Click here to read the full story!
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