SB Nation College Hockey - Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota Meet For Weekend Home-and-Home SeriesCollege Hockey's Home on the Blogospherehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49993/wchb-fav.png2014-11-15T20:59:10-08:00http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/rss/stream/69843282014-11-15T20:59:10-08:002014-11-15T20:59:10-08:00Bulldogs sweep Minnesota
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<img alt="Dominic Toninato scored his third goal in as many games against " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_AURpZ-vxDAmdNrQ33PJT_cREOA=/0x0:1096x731/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44165154/Lakehead-17.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dominic Toninato scored his third goal in as many games against | Matt Christians</figcaption>
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<p>Dominic Toninato and Karson Kuhlman scored for the Bulldogs, which swept #1 Minnesota for the first time since November 20-21, 2009.</p> <p>Bulldogs sophomore forward <span>Dominic Toninato</span> (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/">Toronto Maple Leafs</a>) continues to the find the back of the net.</p>
<p>Toninato needed 28 seconds Saturday to score his third goal in as many games against the Gophers this season as Minnesota Duluth's fast start for the second straight night withstood Minnesota's late charge in a 2-1 win at AMSOIL Arena.</p>
<p>Playing in front of a record crowd of 7,424, Saturday was the first time Minnesota Duluth (8-4-0, 4-2-0-0 NCHC) has swept its in-state foe since November 20-21, 2009.</p>
<p>Leon Bristedt scored his second goal of the year for Minnesota (7-3-0, 0-0-0-0 Big Ten), which went over 111 minutes without a goal in the two game home-and-home series. Kasimir Kaskisuo made 24 saves for the Bulldogs.</p>
<p>In a <a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/nchc/2014/11/14/7223715/minnesota-duluth-shuts-out-minnesota-3-0/in/6984328" target="_blank">repeat of Friday's 3-0 win</a> where Minnesota Duluth got a power play on the first shift and eventually capitalized, UMD did not take long to get on the board. Toninato's opening shift ended when he poked a rebound past Gopher goaltender <span>Adam Wilcox</span> (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>) for his NCAA-leading 9th goal of the season (tied with 6 others).</p>
<p>Karson Kuhlman doubled the lead on the power play with 2:55 remaining in the first period. The 5'11", 180 lbs freshman deflected a Willie Raskob shot that went through traffic. The Bulldogs, hosting Minnesota for the first time since 2011, had all the goals it would eventually need.</p>
<p>Both teams had opportunities Saturday. Minnesota Duluth and the Gophers were each successful killing a 5 minute major and the Bulldogs were 4 for 4 on the PK. Wilcox, for the second straight night, kept the game within reach after an early hiccup for Minnesota with several outstanding point-blank saves. The junior goalie finished with 32 saves; once again topping the 30 save mark.</p>
<p>Offensively, Saturday was a better performance for Minnesota in terms of testing Kaskisuo. The freshman goaltender faced more shot attempts and the visitors were more successful creating offensive opportunities. However, Minnesota Duluth limited second chances and rebounds. UMD kept Minnesota at bay with a mixture of players blocking shots and clearing the zone. It was one of the better team performances of the season. In particular, the Bulldogs did it against a team that entered the weekend ranked first in the country.</p>
<p>Gopher head coach Don Lucia made several changes to his lineup in the second game of the two-game series - most notably Vinni Lettieri returned after missing Friday's game - in an effort to spark some energy and get someone to step up offensively. Lettieri's line paid off in the third period.</p>
<p>Playing on a line with <span>Seth Ambroz</span> (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jacketscannon.com/">Columbus Blue Jackets</a>) and Lettieri, an uncontested Bristedt took advantage of Dan Molenaar falling and sniped a shot past Kaskiskuo with 8:42 remaining. That goal re-energized the Gophers in a way which was missing throughout the weekend. Despite several late chances, Minnesota was unable to get the equalizer, though.</p>
<p>With the win, Minnesota Duluth extends its win streak to 5 games. The Bulldogs travel to Omaha next weekend to play Nebraska-Omaha.</p>
<p>Minnesota, meanwhile, faces the US Under-18 exhibition team Friday at Mariucci Arena. Having a week off will be beneficial for the Gophers, who are nursing several injuries in addition to being swept. Minnesota returns to college action November 28th and 29th with games in Boston against Boston College and Northeastern.</p>
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<p><i>Nathan Wells is a college hockey columnist for SB Nation. You can also follow him on Twitter -- <a href="https://twitter.com/gopherstate" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @gopherstate</a></i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/11/15/7227745/minnesota-duluth-completes-a-sweep-of-minnesota-with-a-2-1-winNathan Wells2014-11-15T17:56:04-08:002014-11-15T17:56:04-08:00Justin Crandall Gets 5-Minute Kneeing Major<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r-r2P5FMiREw0hWMNpr0LBLvtqQ=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/360130/ImpracticalNimbleAcaciarat.gif" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Minnesota Duluth's Justin Crandall received a five-minute major and game misconduct for kneeing on this play late in the first period.</p></p></div>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/11/15/7227397/justin-crandall-gets-5-minute-kneeing-majorChris Dilks2014-11-15T17:53:23-08:002014-11-15T17:53:23-08:00Karson Kuhlman Gives Minnesota Duluth a 2-0 Lead<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aEoBKV_u5V97zYLiq1lUWmontAw=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/360124/PossibleMetallicAmericanwigeon.gif" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Karson Kuhlman tipped in a power play goal to give Minnesota Duluth a 2-0 lead in the first period against Minnesota on Saturday.</p></p></div>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/11/15/7227387/karson-kuhlman-gives-minnesota-duluth-a-2-0-leadChris Dilks2014-11-15T17:47:46-08:002014-11-15T17:47:46-08:00Dominic Toninato gives Minnesota Duluth a 1-0 lead on Saturday<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f9hW0yt8kavJ0t6lHTAGiDnbRCk=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/360112/AnyJointGuanaco.gif" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>UMD's Dom Toninato scored his ninth of the year just 28 seconds into the game against Minnesota tonight.</p></p></div>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/11/15/7227371/dominic-toninato-gives-minnesota-duluth-a-1-0-lead-on-saturdayChris Dilks2014-11-15T11:30:54-08:002014-11-15T11:30:54-08:00Where the Bulldogs road confidence comes
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<img alt="Austin Farley (11) and UMD goalie Kasamir Kaskisuo (33) celebrating the Bulldogs' 3-0 win Friday" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kchIaaInDKzBptIKM7z_X-dPM-0=/3x0:1200x798/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44160604/MattChristians-sbn-13.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Austin Farley (11) and UMD goalie Kasamir Kaskisuo (33) celebrating the Bulldogs' 3-0 win Friday | Matt Christians</figcaption>
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<p>The rare case of a visiting team which can win in Dinkytown and not be intimidated. The more Minnesota-Duluth gets comfortable on the road, the more the Bulldogs find out about themselves.</p> <p><b>MINNEAPOLIS-</b> Minnesota-Duluth defenseman Dan Molenaar didn't hesitate Friday on or off the ice.</p>
<p>Asked whether or not he was comfortable coming into Mariucci Arena - a building where the home team was riding a 16 game unbeaten streak stretching nearly a year - the sophomore from Eden Prairie (15 miles southwest of Minneapolis) didn't need a second to mull things over. He didn't need a second word, either.</p>
<p>"Absolutely," he said</p>
<p>Molenaar's declaration with the confidence of a man who scored his first collegiate goal in front of friends and family was in line with what the Bulldogs (7-4-0, 4-2-0-0 NCHC) did Friday night to Minnesota in UMD's 3-0 win. There was no hesitation. Coming off a road series sweep against St. Cloud State, Scott Sandelin's team continued the trend both away from Duluth and against the Gophers.</p>
<p>Yet that confidence mixed with execution from someone not wearing a Gopher sweater is rare in a building where visitors routinely are searching for words to praise their opponent.</p>
<p>"We're not intimated by these guys," said Molenaar. "You have to respect them because they have an unbelievable amount of skill and they are a great team. But you can't come in intimidated and I think that was the key to our success. We weren't stunned playing in front of the big crowd."</p>
<p>Minnesota (7-2-0, 0-0-0-0 Big Ten) has won three of the six non-conference games the two teams have played (a fourth was won in a shootout though for official purposes it goes down as a tie) since both went their separate ways following the 2012-13 season. All have been entertaining. Meanwhile, the only two losses at Mariucci Arena - ones which have left Gopher head coach Don Lucia decrying his team's lack of discipline - for the home team during that time period came at the hands of the Bulldogs.</p>
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<p>That's right. That 16 game unbeaten streak covers the time between UMD games, a 6-2 win last November. No college team outside the University of Minnesota system has won a game at Mariucci since Denver did so on March 1, 2013 - a span of over 20 months.</p>
<p>Friday reached a point where a person stumbling across the game on television would be hard pressed to remember which team wearing maroon and gold uniforms was hosting the other. Minnesota entered Friday night out-scoring opponents 7-1 this season in the confines of home during the first period. Seven times in the opening eight games the Gophers have needed less than two minutes to score in a period.</p>
<p>Minnesota-Duluth, out-shooting the normally puck possession-happy Gophers 38-17, looked much at home on the Olympic-sized ice thanks to fast starts and not letting off the gas pedal.</p>
<p>It was a lesson Sandelin tried to make clear to this players all week leading up to the game.</p>
<p>"We harped on getting a good start like we did last weekend and we did that. Obviously we had a very good first period and again got a lead and made them pay," said the Minnesota-Duluth head coach, whose team had a 13-1 shot advantage in the first ten minutes thanks to a trio of Minnesota penalties. "It's what you need against this team - you can't let your guard down - and I thought they did a good job the whole night."</p>
<p>The same goes for staying out of the box. UMD entered the weekend shorthanded more than every team except Alaska-Anchorage. Friday the Bulldogs only were penalized two times while Austin Farley and <span>Dominic Toninato</span> (<a href="https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Maple Leafs</a>) each lit the lamp on a penalty kill missing several key components.</p>
<p>Friday, however, was just as much about the Minnesota-Duluth players being just as comfortable with themselves as they are inside Mariucci of late.</p>
<p>Freshman goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo had no experience playing in front of 10K hostile fans. He was one of those who let the Minnesota score in the opening two minutes this year. In fact Kaskisuo, who is second among freshmen in save percentage (.928%) so far, was the first when he gave up a goal to Sam Warning 30 seconds into both teams' season opener October 10th on the road (for both teams) in South Bend, Indiana.</p>
<p>This time around the Finnish frosh denied everyone, making 17 saves for his first collegiate shutout.</p>
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<p>"I think now that he's played a few more games (Kasimir) has a lot more confidence, he's been challenging shooters," said Molenaar about the difference a month has made for his goaltender. "Everyone else is playing well in front of him too, which helps, but he's made some huge saves which have helped keep us in the game. He's confident right now and that's a huge part of goaltending."</p>
<p>A benefit of playing the Gophers at regular intervals has been a chance for UMD to test itself against a top-ranked team and see what has changed. Several times this year slow starts have hampered the Bulldogs. Several times discipline has been a problem. Neither was a problem Friday.</p>
<p>"You got to skate," said Sandelin. "When we skate and you can get above people and even if you're a little late and keep back pressured and keep moving your feet it helps. I thought we did a great job the whole night moving our feet."</p>
<p>When no one else can, the Bulldogs have made it look easy of late against its in-state brother school. Not just by winning at Mariucci for a second time in two years - something no one else has done once - but growing and doing things on the ice to Minnesota few have home or away over that same stretch. At its best Sandelin's team looks more like a mirror image with the play rather than uniforms.</p>
<p>And that is what makes Molenaar's confidence on the road Friday all that much genuine.</p>
<p>"Honestly it's all about effort. It took a few games to get the chemistry going and everything, but we're clicking now," he said while adding a caveat for Saturday's return trip to Duluth.</p>
<p>"We can't be satisfied."</p>
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<p><i>Nathan Wells is a college hockey columnist for SB Nation. You can also follow him on Twitter -- <a href="https://twitter.com/gopherstate" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @gopherstate</a></i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/11/15/7224305/minnesota-duluth-is-comfortable-confident-playing-at-mariucci-arenaNathan Wells2014-11-14T20:57:45-08:002014-11-14T20:57:45-08:00UMD Shuts Out Minnesota 3-0
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<img alt="Austin Farley celebrates his first period goal that gave Minnesota Duluth an early 1-0 lead" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R1uRdD4T-bjkspEauBuzf87Oep0=/3x0:1200x798/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44160450/MattChristians-sbn-3.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Austin Farley celebrates his first period goal that gave Minnesota Duluth an early 1-0 lead | Matt Christians</figcaption>
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<p>Minnesota Duluth became the first team to beat Minnesota at Mariucci since the Bulldogs won there just under a year ago.</p> <p>Minnesota had not lost on their home ice since November 24th--a run that included 15 wins and two ties. Their last loss at Mariucci? A 6-2 loss to Minnesota Duluth.</p>
<p>On Friday night, the Bulldogs had the Gophers' number again. Austin Farley scored 2:07 into the game, and Minnesota Duluth outshot Minnesota 13-1 in the games first ten minutes. From there, they never looked back on their way to a 3-0 win on the ice of the nation's top-ranked team.</p>
<p>Minnesota goalie Adam Wilcox did a valiant job to keep the Gophers in the game, but Dan Molenaar's first career goal at 9:55 of the second period extended the Bulldogs' lead to 2-0. Dominic Toninato added a power play goal at 11:42 of the third period to close out the scoring.</p>
<p>Kasimir Kaskisuo made 17 saves for his first collegiate shutout. Adam Wilcox stopped 35 shots in a losing effort. The win is the fourth-straight for Minnesota Duluth, while the loss snaps Minnesota's three-game winning streak. The two teams will meet again tomorrow night at Duluth's AmSoil Arena at 7:07.</p>
<p><b>Fancy Stats</b></p>
<p>Shots on Goal: UM:7-6-4 UMD: 15-10-7</p>
<p>Corsi(even strength shot attempts): UM:9-13- 6 UMD: 14-19-11</p>
<p>Prime Scoring Area attempts: UM: 4- 8 -1 UMD: 13-7-6</p>
<p><b>Notes:</b></p>
<p>- Slow starts have been an issue for Minnesota Duluth all season, and they knew they'd need a strong start tonight.</p>
<p>. "They're always a quick-starting team here," said Minnesota Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin. "I've lived that for 20 years when you play here. But we harped on that all week, and I think last week gave us some confidence. I thought last Saturday in St. Cloud was our best first period and I thought tonight was better than that."</p>
<p>It helped that the Bulldogs got a bit of a lucky break off the opening face-off. Minnesota gained possession on the opening draw. Kyle Rau broke free in the neutral zone and caught a pass that sent him into the zone with some room to work with. But Rau mishandled the puck and didn't get off much of a scoring chance. The puck ended up in the corner and Minnesota's Leon Bristedt ended up taking a holding penalty 22 seconds into the game. Austin Farley converted on that power play chance and from there, the Bulldogs had all the momentum.</p>
<p>-Give credit to Minnesota Duluth for not giving Minnesota anything to get started, but it was just a flat effort all night for Minnesota. Some of it may be the injuries starting to catch up to them, but a lot of players that looked good last Sunday against Notre Dame had very rough games tonight. No stat better sums it up for the Gophers than their paltry six shot attempts in the final period--including just one, which was blocked, coming from the prime scoring area. Trailing 2-0 heading into the third, one would have expected a serious push by Minnesota to get back into the game. But there was just nothing in the tank tonight.</p>
<p>Don Lucia summed up it well after the game: "Sometimes you just don't have your game, and tonight we didn't have our game"</p>
<p>-I highlighted discipline as one of the big keys to the weekend for Duluth heading into the weekend. The Bulldogs had gone short-handed more than any other team in the country coming into this game, while Minnesota had the nation's second-best power play. Tonight, the Bulldogs only went short-handed once for the game and were able to kill off that penalty.</p>
<p>Scott Sandelin on his team's discipline: "When you're staring at a 31, 32% power play, you don't want to give them too many chances. I thought our guys did a great job of moving their feet and putting themselves in good position."</p>
<p>-This was a forgettable game for nearly every Minnesota skater, but Adam Wilcox played a fantastic game despite taking the loss. He made some big saves, especially in the first period when he was bombarded. He gave his team a chance to win tonight by getting them out of a disastrous first period down only 1-0. The team in front of them didn't take that opportunity, but it was there. I talked last week about how it can be hard to judge a goalie like Wilcox because he doesn't see a lot of quality shots. Well, he did tonight, and he proved he was up to the task.</p>
<p>-Wilcox's counterpart, Kasimir Kaskisuo had a much quieter night, needing to make only 17 saves. You know your team had a pretty good night when your goalie shuts out the number one team in the country on their home ice, and that only merits third star of the game. Still, there were some sneaky good saves mixed into those 17 stops, and Kaskisuo did a great job of not giving Minnesota anything cheap that would help give them momentum and get them into the game.</p>
<p>It was a nice rebound for Kaskisuo who gave up four goals on 22 shots in his collegiate debut against the Gophers in the first game of the season.</p>
<p>Sandelin: "I'm sure he had nervousness like a lot of guys that first game. It didn't help that we gave up a breakaway and a short-handed chance right away. I think we was excited to have a chance to play Minnesota again. His overall play these past two or three weeks has been really solid. I think he was a lot more confident--I won't even say confident, but I think he was a lot less jittery than he was for the first game."</p>
<p>-After the game, Dan Molenaar was asked if the Bulldogs felt comfortable playing at Mariucci Arena: "Absolutely. Last year we had the 6-2 win on Sunday. Something about the big ice; our team does really well. We have a lot of patience and we're able to sustain a lot of pressure down low. We're not intimidated by these guys. Most of the guys know a handful of other guys on their team. You have to respect them because they have an unbelievable amount of skill and they're a great team. But you can't come in intimidated and I think that was the key to our success right away. We weren't stunned playing in front of the big crowd. A lot of guys are from this area so we feel really comfortable in this situation."</p>
<p><b>Final Scoring</b></p>
<p><b>First Period</b></p>
<p><i>2:07- Austin Farley from Andy Welinski and Cal Decowski (power play) 1-0 UMD</i></p>
<p>A shot by Welinski from the left side of the ice was stopped by Wilcox, but Farley was right on the doorstep to knock home the rebound into an open net.</p>
<p><b>Second Period</b></p>
<p><i>9:55- Dan Molenaar from Karson Kuhlman and Tony Cameranesi 2-0 UMD</i></p>
<p>Minnesota Duluth established their cycle deep in Minnesota's zone. Kuhlman had the puck behind the net and found Molenaar who was pinching in from the point. Molenaar fired a one-timed snap shot into the upper corner of the net.</p>
<p><b>Third Period</b></p>
<p><i>11:42-Dominic Toninato from Austin Farley and Cal Decowski (power play) 3-0 UMD</i></p>
<p>With some beautiful puck movement on the power play, Decowski swung the puck down low to Farley at the right goal line, who made a quick pass to Toninato all alone in front of the net for an easy tap-in goal.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/nchc/2014/11/14/7223715/minnesota-duluth-shuts-out-minnesota-3-0Chris Dilks2014-11-14T16:10:12-08:002014-11-14T16:10:12-08:00Minnesota-UMD Line Combinations
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<img alt="Defenseman Andy Welinski (7) and goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo face Minnesota Friday" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mlxceEh7pMAASuDH4DfLFyLRNyA=/2x0:999x665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44156682/MC_Denver-63.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Defenseman Andy Welinski (7) and goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo face Minnesota Friday | Matt Christians</figcaption>
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<p>Minnesota is making a couple changes due to injury.</p> <p>Greetings here from Mariucci Arena where #1 Minnesota (7-1-0) is an hour and change away from putting its 17 game unbeaten streak on the line against Minnesota-Duluth (6-4-0, 4-2-0-0 NCHC), <a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/11/10/7181397/college-hockey-rankings-november-10th-minnesota-north-dakota-boston-university-power-rankings" target="_blank">ranked 9th in the SBN Power Rankings</a> and the last team which defeated the Gophers at home.</p>
<p>Tonight's game is broadcast on<b> Fox Sports North Plus/FCS</b> and streaming online at <a href="http://www,btn2go.com" target="_blank">BTN2Go.com</a></p>
<p>It's the third time in three locations the two teams have played in 2014 (tomorrow's home-and-home finale in Duluth will be the fourth different locale) and second this season. Both the Bulldogs and Minnesota opened 2014-15 against one another in South Bend, Indiana - a game in which the Gophers got out to a 4-1 lead before holding off a third period comeback by UMD; ultimately winning 4-3.</p>
<p>Here are tonight's lines. <a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/11/14/7220287/minnesota-duluth-and-minnesota-meet-for-weekend-home-and-home-series" target="_blank">For a full preview of the weekend's series, click here.</a></p>
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<p>Lines for Minnesota and Minnesota-Duluth. <a href="http://t.co/vrMU1jPNrH">pic.twitter.com/vrMU1jPNrH</a></p>
— Nate Wells (@gopherstate) <a href="https://twitter.com/gopherstate/status/533403888242921472">November 14, 2014</a>
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<p>The Bulldogs, without captain Adam Krause, who suffered a broken wrist against Denver in late October. are going with the same lineup which swept St. Cloud State on the road last weekend.</p>
<p>Minnesota, meanwhile, has a couple chances due to injury. <span>Christian Isackson</span> is centering the third line because Vinni Lettieri is <a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/11/9/7183915/minnesota-vinni-lettieri-injury-slap-shot-notre-dame-video" target="_blank">out after taking a slap shot to the helmet Sunday</a>. In addition, forward Travis Boyd and defenseman <span>Brady Skjei</span> remain out with lower body injuries.</p>
<p>Freshmen Robin Hoglund and Steve Johnson, both of whom were scratched for the two Notre Dame games, are in for the Gophers.</p>
<p><span>Adam Wilcox</span> is in net for Minnesota. Freshman Kasimir Kaskisuo is listed for the Minnesota-Duluth and getting a chance for redemption against the Gophers in his second start against the in-state foe.</p>
<p>We have a trio of writers covering tonight's game. Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/chrisdilks" target="_blank">@chrisdilks</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/gopherstate" target="_blank">@gopherstate</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/matt_christians" target="_blank">@Matt_Christians</a> for live updates.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/11/14/7223549/minnesota-minnesota-duluth-line-combinations-tv-schedule-november-14-2014Nathan Wells2014-11-14T07:03:24-08:002014-11-14T07:03:24-08:00Previewing #1 Minnesota vs. #13 Minnesota Duluth
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<figcaption>Matt Christians</figcaption>
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<p>If you're looking for this game on television: Both Friday and Saturday are on <b>Fox Sports North Plus</b>.</p>
<p>Who: #13 Minnesota Duluth vs. #1 Minnesota</p>
<p>Where: Friday night, Minnesota hosts the Bulldogs are Mariucci Arena. On Saturday, UMD hosts the Gophers at AmSoil Arena.</p>
<p>When: Friday night is scheduled to start at 7:00pm, Saturday is schedule to start at 7:07.</p>
<p>How to Watch: It's on <b>Fox Sports North Plus</b>, you guys. Saturday's game will also air nationally on Fox College Sports.</p>
<p>Who to Follow: Chris Dilks(@ChrisDilks), and Nate Wells(@gopherstate) will be at Friday's game. Matt Christians(@Matt_Christians) will be at both legs of the series, though probably taking pictures and stuff.</p>
<p>-This is the first match-up of the year between teams that have already played on a prior weekend. These two teams opened up the college hockey season on a Friday afternoon in Indiana with Minnesota taking away a 4-3 victory. Minnesota took a 4-1 lead into the third period in that game, but two early third period goals by UMD turned what seemed like a blowout into a very close game late in the third period. That game was about as neutral a site as you can get with the arena nearly empty. Expect the crowds this weekend, especially in Duluth on Saturday night, to be much more partisan.</p>
<p>-Minnesota is 15-0-2 in their last 17 home games. That streak dates back a November 29th win over Wisconsin. The game prior to that was a 6-2 loss at home to Minnesota Duluth.</p>
<p>-On the injury front, Travis Boyd and Brady Skjei are still out for Minnesota. Also, the Gophers will be without Vinni Lettieri, who<a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/11/9/7183915/minnesota-vinni-lettieri-injury-slap-shot-notre-dame-video" target="_blank"> took a puck to the head last Sunday</a> against Notre Dame. Minnesota Duluth captain Adam Krause is still out with a broken wrist.</p>
<p>-There's no controversy in the nets for either side. Injury is the only thing that would keep Adam Wilcox from starting a game of importance for Minnesota, and even then, Minnesota would maybe just<a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3027/2688534005_7c16908129.jpg" target="_blank"> tie him up to the net Milhouse style</a>. Meanwhile for Duluth, Kasimir Kaskisuo has come a long way since letting in his first two shots on goal against the Gophers just over a month ago. He's shown the ability to carry Minnesota Duluth through some rough patches in their play and will likely need to come up big more than a few times this weekend to slow down the Gopher offense.</p>
<p>-If there's a key match-up to watch out for this weekend, Minnesota Duluth leads the country with 56 penalty kill attempts on the season. Minnesota has the second-most efficient power play in the country at 32.3%. If the Bulldogs can't stay out of the penalty box, the likes of Mike Reilly, Kyle Rau, Hudson Fasching, and Taylor Cammarata are going to make them pay.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/big-ten/2014/11/14/7219697/minnesota-duluth-minnesota-gophers-bulldogs-preview-televisionChris Dilks