Michigan State (7-22-3 overall, 3-13-2 Big Ten) vs. No. 5 Minnesota (21-10-2 overall, 12-5-0 Big Ten)
Date: Friday, March 10, 2017
Location: Mariucci Arena | Minneapolis, Minn.
Puck Drop: 6:33 p.m. CT
TV: ESPNews
Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: 1500 ESPN, Gopher Radio Network
Date: Saturday, March 11, 2017
Location: Mariucci Arena | Minneapolis, Minn.
Puck Drop: 7:03 p.m. CT
TV: Big Ten Network
Stream: BTN2Go
Radio: 1500 ESPN, Gopher Radio Network
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
The Gophers enter the game clinging to a three-point over Wisconsin in the Big Ten. No matter what the Badgers do this week, Minnesota can earn a share of the title with a Friday regulation win, and and win outright with Friday and Saturday regulation victories.
It’s been a long stretch since the Gophers played Michigan State. Minnesota swept both games in East Lansing with a pair of 4-2 wins.
With all the open space, the Gophers should have plenty of space to shoot. MSU is dead last in the conference, blocking just 350 shots on the year. In comparison, Minnesota has blocked 508.
The Spartans are giving up a league-worst 3.84 goals per game while the Gophers are averaging 3.85 tallies per. That fits nicely.
Michigan State is a young squad. Three of their top four point-producers are freshmen.
STORYLINE CENTRAL
Drew Cove with the Minnesota Daily has a great profile on captain Justin Kloos. The senior is continuing his amazing Gopher career with 17 goals and 41 points this season.
Since MSU isn’t very good this year, there isn’t much being written about them. Instead, here’s highlights from one of Minnesota’s wins over the Spartans.
QUOTE
Don Lucia
“We have a chance to win a championship, obviously, this weekend, but it’s still the big picture of playing the game the right way. We want to continue to improve here and make sure we play well defensively, we’re disciplined, we take care of the puck. All the things that help you win hockey games.”