Gophers Hockey: Minnesota vs. Minnesota State Friday night line combinations

Minnesota (6-1-1, 0-0-0 Big Ten) is getting its freshmen, playing well as a group, in tonight for the first of a six-game homestand that truly says goodbye to the WCHA before beginning Big Ten play. Gabe Guertler is centering the fourth line in lieu of either A.J. Michaelson or Christian Isackson. Both freshmen defensemen - Michael Brodzinksi and Jake Bischoff - are also in after platooning for much of the season's first month. Justin Holl sits for the pair.

Freshman Cole Huggins, meanwhile gets the nod for Minnesota State (4-4-0, 2-2-2 WCHA). Huggins started the Mavericks' past two games and was named WCHA Rookie of the Week for his performance against Bowling Green. Huggins has been thriving, posting a .964 save percentage, while last year's WCHA freshman of the year Stephon Williams has struggled at times.

Still, as our own Chris Dilks notes, this may be a case of riding the hot hand.

Other Minnesota State line changes from last weekend include a major shift on the right wing where 3 of the 4 players are on new lines. Centers J.P. Lafontaine and Teddy Blueger also switch lines. Highly regarded freshman Zach Stepan is out this weekend with an upper body injury; one of several Mavericks on the shelf.

University of Minnesota Golden Gophers

Forwards

Sam Warning (#11) - Kyle Rau (#7) - Hudson Fasching (#24)

Nate Condon (#16) - Justin Kloos (#25) - Taylor Cammarata(#13)

Vinni Lettieri (#19) - Travis Boyd (#22) - Connor Reilly (#21)

Tom Serratore (#14) - Gabe Guertler (#27) - Seth Ambroz(#17)

Defense

Mike Reilly (#5) - Jake Parenteau (#6)

Brady Skjei (#2) - Jake Bischoff (#28)

Michael Brodzinski (#20) - Ben Marshall (#10)

Goaltenders

Adam Wilcox (#32)

Michael Shibrowski (#1)

Ryan Coyne (#31)

Minnesota State Mavericks

Forwards

Dylan Margonari - Matt Leitner - Bryce Gervais

Chase Grant - Teddy Blueger(PIT) - Johnny McInnis

Brett Knowles - Jean-Paul LaFontaine - Max Gaede(SJS)

Taylor Herndon - Jordan Nelson - Mat Knoll

Defense

Brett Stern - Zach Palmquist

Jon Jutzi - Sean Flanagan

Nick Buchanan - Casey Nelson

Goaltenders

Cole Huggins

Stephon Williams

Tonight's game starts at 7:00 p.m. CT and airs on Fox Sports North Plus. To find FSN+, click here.

Follow SB Nation's Nate Wells for live updates from Mariucci Arena on Twitter @gopherstate.