Minnesota (11-10-0 overall, 6-2-0-0 Big Ten) at Wisconsin (4-10-6 overall, 1-5-2-1 Big Ten)
Game 22: Gophers at Wisconsin
Location: Kohl Center | Madison, Wis.
Date: Friday, Jan. 22
Puck Drop: 8:03 p.m. CT
TV: BTN (Dan Kelly, Fred Pletsch, Ben Clymer)
Stream: BTN2Go
Radio: 1500 ESPN, Gopher Radio Network
Game 23: Gophers at Wisconsin
Location: Kohl Center | Madison, Wis.
Date: Saturday, Jan. 23
Puck Drop: 7:07 p.m. CT
TV: ASN (The CW in the Twin Cities)
Stream: BTN2Go
Radio: 1500 ESPN, Gopher Radio Network
Inside the Matchup
The Badgers have a storied hockey history. With that being said, the series with the Gophers hasn’t even been close. Minnesota holds a whopping 161-89-23 lead all-time against Wisconsin.
Our neighbors to the east would have to win three of the four meetings each year, every year for the next 36 in order to tie the series.
Even when playing on the road, the Gophers are 63-54-14 in the series.
Storyline Central
It certainly hasn’t been a great year for the Badgers, but it’s better than last year (which isn’t saying much). Eric Goldsobel of the Badger Herald has more on the rebuild.
The University of Wisconsin has a release on two of their most talented youngsters, Luke Kunin and Matt Jurusik, who have caught the eye of NHL scouts heading into the 2016 draft.
Kunin has been especially impressive, posting 18 points this year, tied for a team best. Dennis Punzel of the Wisconsin State Journal has an interesting feature on the freshman who is living with type 1 diabetes.
Notes and Quotes
Don Lucia
“It’s always nice when you’re winning and the players feel like they’re getting a little rewarded. We’ve talked about the improvement this group as made over the course of the season. We don’t have a large margin for error. We understand that. They guys know that, coaches know that. When you can put together some wins it just lightens the mood a little bit.”
On the Badgers:
“There’s no question their team is better than last year. The shot differential, the specialty teams, and any matrix you look at. They’ve tied a lot of games and lost a couple close ones. We know it’ll be difficult going into Wisconsin. We just want to continue to play well and making a step forward.”
Connor Reilly
On looking forward to playing at Wisconsin:
“It’s a boarder battle, a team we like to play. It’s going to be an intense game. Whenever you’re playing one of your rivals it’s going to be a great match. …I don’t think the matchup has lost any of its shine. Last year the games weren’t as competitive as you would expect but you know they are going to give their best effort and we’re going to give our best effort. With all the history and tradition; two teams that don’t exactly like each other but respect each other so it brings out the best.”