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Border Battle Preview: Despite Records, Gophers-Badgers Series Always Intense
By Grant Erickson
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/472827?referrer_id=388419
Not much has changed in two weeks since the last meeting between the Gophers and Badgers. Both historic programs are still sliding and will look to this rivalry weekend to gain momentum heading into the heart of the Big Ten schedule.
PREGAME NOTES
Minnesota (11-9-2 overall, 2-2-2-0 Big Ten) vs. Wisconsin (2-15-3 overall, 0-5-1-1 Big Ten)
Friday, 8:10 p.m. CT on BTN – Kohl Center (15,237)
Saturday, 7:00 p.m. CT on BTN – Kohl Center
Turning Things Around
It’s no secret, the Gophers have been struggling. The once No. 1 team in the county is a dismal 4-8-2 in their last 14 games. As was the case when Wisconsin came to town just two weeks ago, it feels like the time to turn the season around is now.
“There’s a lot of games left but at the same time, it’s got to happen this weekend,” said Ben Marshall. “It starts with a good week of practice and coming out with a bunch of motivation that we’re not out of this and we’ve got plenty of time and we need to win.”
Coming off losses to Minnesota State and UMD, the Gophers are trying to heal from the sting of the in-state defeats and focus on getting back to their winning ways.
“There’s still lots of business that we need to get on track here,” said Marshall. “If we dwell on the past, it’s probably not going to help us play well against Wisconsin this weekend. You’ve got to forget about that and worry about Friday night.”
In order to pick up some much needed points at Wisconsin, the Gophers will need to capitalize when given the opportunity. Last weekend, Minnesota scored just three goals in two games despite numerous chances to extend their lead against the Bulldogs.
“The stat that stands out for us is that when we’ve scored three goals, we’re 11-2-1 and when we haven’t, we’re 0-7-1,” said Don Lucia.
In his usual style, captain Kyle Rau put it simply.
“We’ve got to start scoring goals,” said Rau. “We got two goals and one goal [last weekend]. That’s not going to win very many games.”
Playing In Madison
Under head coach Mike Eaves, Madison has been a tricky place to play for the Gophers. Since Eaves took over, Minnesota is just 9-8-5 at Wisconsin, a close margin when compared to the 160-90-22 advantage in the all-time series for the Maroon and Gold.
“Whenever we play in Madison, it’s a good weekend,” said Brady Skjei. “A lot of emotion goes into the game. Expect both teams to try and get back on track here this weekend.”
Last year, the then No. 1 Gophers made the trip to Madison and were swept, both in 2-1 affairs. If Minnesota can pick up some points on the road, the schedule looks much more favorable.
“We’ve got to worry about going to Madison,” said Lucia. “Last year, we ended up losing both games there. At the end of this weekend, we’ll have played six out of the eight league games on the road which bodes well for coming back home the rest of the year.”
In the new Big Ten, playing at Wisconsin is something the Gophers look forward to each season.
“I love playing at the Kohl
By Grant Erickson
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/472827?referrer_id=388419
Not much has changed in two weeks since the last meeting between the Gophers and Badgers. Both historic programs are still sliding and will look to this rivalry weekend to gain momentum heading into the heart of the Big Ten schedule.
PREGAME NOTES
Minnesota (11-9-2 overall, 2-2-2-0 Big Ten) vs. Wisconsin (2-15-3 overall, 0-5-1-1 Big Ten)
Friday, 8:10 p.m. CT on BTN – Kohl Center (15,237)
Saturday, 7:00 p.m. CT on BTN – Kohl Center
Turning Things Around
It’s no secret, the Gophers have been struggling. The once No. 1 team in the county is a dismal 4-8-2 in their last 14 games. As was the case when Wisconsin came to town just two weeks ago, it feels like the time to turn the season around is now.
“There’s a lot of games left but at the same time, it’s got to happen this weekend,” said Ben Marshall. “It starts with a good week of practice and coming out with a bunch of motivation that we’re not out of this and we’ve got plenty of time and we need to win.”
Coming off losses to Minnesota State and UMD, the Gophers are trying to heal from the sting of the in-state defeats and focus on getting back to their winning ways.
“There’s still lots of business that we need to get on track here,” said Marshall. “If we dwell on the past, it’s probably not going to help us play well against Wisconsin this weekend. You’ve got to forget about that and worry about Friday night.”
In order to pick up some much needed points at Wisconsin, the Gophers will need to capitalize when given the opportunity. Last weekend, Minnesota scored just three goals in two games despite numerous chances to extend their lead against the Bulldogs.
“The stat that stands out for us is that when we’ve scored three goals, we’re 11-2-1 and when we haven’t, we’re 0-7-1,” said Don Lucia.
In his usual style, captain Kyle Rau put it simply.
“We’ve got to start scoring goals,” said Rau. “We got two goals and one goal [last weekend]. That’s not going to win very many games.”
Playing In Madison
Under head coach Mike Eaves, Madison has been a tricky place to play for the Gophers. Since Eaves took over, Minnesota is just 9-8-5 at Wisconsin, a close margin when compared to the 160-90-22 advantage in the all-time series for the Maroon and Gold.
“Whenever we play in Madison, it’s a good weekend,” said Brady Skjei. “A lot of emotion goes into the game. Expect both teams to try and get back on track here this weekend.”
Last year, the then No. 1 Gophers made the trip to Madison and were swept, both in 2-1 affairs. If Minnesota can pick up some points on the road, the schedule looks much more favorable.
“We’ve got to worry about going to Madison,” said Lucia. “Last year, we ended up losing both games there. At the end of this weekend, we’ll have played six out of the eight league games on the road which bodes well for coming back home the rest of the year.”
In the new Big Ten, playing at Wisconsin is something the Gophers look forward to each season.
“I love playing at the Kohl
,” said Marshall. “Their fans are pretty crazy out there so it’s always fun. They get a good crowd and definitely on the road, it motivates you.”
Last Meeting
Just two weeks ago, the Badgers made their yearly trip to Mariucci and earned a tie and eventual shootout win to start the weekend on Friday. Minnesota rebounded nicely, scoring five goals in a 5-2 victory on Saturday evening.
Although Friday’s shootout loss may be what stands out, it’s worth noting how dominant the Gophers looked throughout both games. They peppered Badger goalie, Joel Rumpel, for 99 shots on the weekend and without a defensive lapse or two could have all but shut out the visitors from the east.
Since Then
Like the Gophers, the Badgers didn’t have an easy two games last weekend. Wisconsin welcomed Michigan to the Kohl Center and things went less than ideal for the home team. On Friday, Wisconsin jumped out to a 4-1 lead but allowed the dangerous Wolverines to rattle off six unanswered goals as the Badgers fell, 7-4. Saturday’s contest didn’t help the team morale as Wisconsin was blown out, 6-0, by the Maize and Blue.
Badger to Watch
Junior defenseman Kevin Schulze is a team-leading -22 on the season. The former Hill Murray Pioneer hasn’t contributed much offensively, either. He has only six points (2g, 4a) in 20 games. Watch when No. 28 in red and white is on the ice; Golden Gopher goals will likely be imminent.
Last Meeting
Just two weeks ago, the Badgers made their yearly trip to Mariucci and earned a tie and eventual shootout win to start the weekend on Friday. Minnesota rebounded nicely, scoring five goals in a 5-2 victory on Saturday evening.
Although Friday’s shootout loss may be what stands out, it’s worth noting how dominant the Gophers looked throughout both games. They peppered Badger goalie, Joel Rumpel, for 99 shots on the weekend and without a defensive lapse or two could have all but shut out the visitors from the east.
Since Then
Like the Gophers, the Badgers didn’t have an easy two games last weekend. Wisconsin welcomed Michigan to the Kohl Center and things went less than ideal for the home team. On Friday, Wisconsin jumped out to a 4-1 lead but allowed the dangerous Wolverines to rattle off six unanswered goals as the Badgers fell, 7-4. Saturday’s contest didn’t help the team morale as Wisconsin was blown out, 6-0, by the Maize and Blue.
Badger to Watch
Junior defenseman Kevin Schulze is a team-leading -22 on the season. The former Hill Murray Pioneer hasn’t contributed much offensively, either. He has only six points (2g, 4a) in 20 games. Watch when No. 28 in red and white is on the ice; Golden Gopher goals will likely be imminent.