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Pride on Ice Preview: Gophers Open Conference Schedule Against Michigan State
By Grant Erickson
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/453930?referrer_id=388419
The Gophers will kick off conference play as they travel to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans. After a series split last weekend, Minnesota will look to pick up valuable Big Ten points in their race to defend the Big Ten Championship.
PREGAME NOTES
No. 6 Minnesota (8-4-0 overall, 0-0-0-0 Big Ten) vs. Michigan State (5-8-0 overall, 1-1-0-0 Big Ten)
East Lansing, Michigan – Munn Arena (6,470)
Friday, 6:00 p.m. CT on FSN PLUS (Tape Delay)
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. CT on FSN PLUS
Series History
The Gophers have been dominant against their new conference rivals; holding a 105-43-14 advantage all-time, while posting a 43-26-7 record when playing in East Lansing. The two teams met four times last year, all games that were decided by a goal or less. Minnesota believes it will be a tough series when they make the trip to Michigan State for a two-game stint.
“We know it’s going to be a difficult series,” said Don Lucia. “[Jake] Hildebrand’s a really good goaltender. We scored eight goals in four games against them last year…every game was a one-goal game. I expect much of the same this weekend.”
Starting Conference Play
Although the Spartans have already played two conference games (a series split with Ohio State), Minnesota will play their first two Big Ten contests of the year. Starting conference play in December still feels foreign for the Gophers but is something they are eager to begin.
“You start to have a little bit more familiarity, there’s no question,” said Lucia. “It seems weird to be in conference play so late. You’re used to previous years getting into conference play, some games in October.”
Although the non-conference schedule was important for NCAA Tournament purposes, the conference season brings the challenge of defending the 2013-2014 Big Ten Championship.
“It’ll get a lot more competitive now that we’re playing for a Big Ten title,” said Vinni Lettieri. “We’re learning a lot, we’re having a good week of practice…I think these next two games coming up will be a good test for us.”
Season to Date
The Spartans haven’t gotten off to a great start in the 2014-15 campaign. Siting at just 5-8-0 on the year, Michigan State has had five series split already this season. The Spartans’ lone conference win came on the road as MSU topped Ohio State, 3-1, in the series opener. As Northeastern showed last weekend, the season record has little bearing on how well a team will play against a top opponent like the Gophers.
Coaching Preview
Tom Anastos, a Michigan State grad, is in his fourth season with the Spartans. He has compiled a 49-67-14 record for MSU. Before leading Michigan State, Anastos was an assistant coach for the Spartans, then became the commissioner of the NAHL followed by his role as CCHA commissioner.
Spartan to Watch
Matt Berry – The senior forward is off to a great start for the Spartans. Berry is averaging a point per game, seven goals and six assists in 13 games, to lead MSU. He also has recorded an impressive 54 shots this year, easily leading the way for the Spartans.
Background
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Enrollment: 47,136
Conference: Big Ten
Mascot: Spartans
Colors: White and Green
Coach: Tom Anastos (4th Season)
By Grant Erickson
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/453930?referrer_id=388419
The Gophers will kick off conference play as they travel to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans. After a series split last weekend, Minnesota will look to pick up valuable Big Ten points in their race to defend the Big Ten Championship.
PREGAME NOTES
No. 6 Minnesota (8-4-0 overall, 0-0-0-0 Big Ten) vs. Michigan State (5-8-0 overall, 1-1-0-0 Big Ten)
East Lansing, Michigan – Munn Arena (6,470)
Friday, 6:00 p.m. CT on FSN PLUS (Tape Delay)
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. CT on FSN PLUS
Series History
The Gophers have been dominant against their new conference rivals; holding a 105-43-14 advantage all-time, while posting a 43-26-7 record when playing in East Lansing. The two teams met four times last year, all games that were decided by a goal or less. Minnesota believes it will be a tough series when they make the trip to Michigan State for a two-game stint.
“We know it’s going to be a difficult series,” said Don Lucia. “[Jake] Hildebrand’s a really good goaltender. We scored eight goals in four games against them last year…every game was a one-goal game. I expect much of the same this weekend.”
Starting Conference Play
Although the Spartans have already played two conference games (a series split with Ohio State), Minnesota will play their first two Big Ten contests of the year. Starting conference play in December still feels foreign for the Gophers but is something they are eager to begin.
“You start to have a little bit more familiarity, there’s no question,” said Lucia. “It seems weird to be in conference play so late. You’re used to previous years getting into conference play, some games in October.”
Although the non-conference schedule was important for NCAA Tournament purposes, the conference season brings the challenge of defending the 2013-2014 Big Ten Championship.
“It’ll get a lot more competitive now that we’re playing for a Big Ten title,” said Vinni Lettieri. “We’re learning a lot, we’re having a good week of practice…I think these next two games coming up will be a good test for us.”
Season to Date
The Spartans haven’t gotten off to a great start in the 2014-15 campaign. Siting at just 5-8-0 on the year, Michigan State has had five series split already this season. The Spartans’ lone conference win came on the road as MSU topped Ohio State, 3-1, in the series opener. As Northeastern showed last weekend, the season record has little bearing on how well a team will play against a top opponent like the Gophers.
Coaching Preview
Tom Anastos, a Michigan State grad, is in his fourth season with the Spartans. He has compiled a 49-67-14 record for MSU. Before leading Michigan State, Anastos was an assistant coach for the Spartans, then became the commissioner of the NAHL followed by his role as CCHA commissioner.
Spartan to Watch
Matt Berry – The senior forward is off to a great start for the Spartans. Berry is averaging a point per game, seven goals and six assists in 13 games, to lead MSU. He also has recorded an impressive 54 shots this year, easily leading the way for the Spartans.
Background
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Enrollment: 47,136
Conference: Big Ten
Mascot: Spartans
Colors: White and Green
Coach: Tom Anastos (4th Season)