Since Stan already started this fantastic thread, I'll just post some quotes and notes in here.
Don Lucia
“Nothing comes easy for us and that’s just the way it is. There was a little more sellout tonight. Like last year, it came down to the final game and we got it done. When the year began, who would have thought we’d be sitting here today with another Big Ten title. It’s hard to do. It’s hard to win the regular-season title so for our guys to do it again, the first three times in the Big Ten, I’m awfully proud and happy for our kids.”
On what five-straight conference titles means to him:
“It’s a consistency factor, when it’s all said and done. It’s not a weekend tournament. It’s not a two-week tournament. It’s over the course of a long season. Every year it’s come down to the final weekend. It’s only fitting the way the year has gone for us; we have a chance on Friday and we don’t capitalize. With this group, it’s seems like every time our backs are against the wall they find a way. Our best players we’re our best players tonight, that’s what has to happen this time of year.”
Leon Bristedt
On winning another Big Ten title:
“Every year you want to win one. You can never get enough of it. It’s what we’re here for. It’s what this program is about. Every time, it’s a great feeling.”
Hudson Fasching
On winning another Big Ten title:
“It’s awesome. It’s tremendous. It’s a goal we set every year. It wasn’t necessarily for certain this year, we had our ups and downs, we battled hard. It feels that much better because we worked so hard for it.”
By the Numbers
5 Straight regular-season conference titles for the Gophers, including three in the Big Ten. Minnesota is only the second school to accomplish that feat, Boston University is the other.
19 Wins on the season for goalie Eric Schierhorn, which leads the nation for a freshman. After allowing an early breakaway goal, Schierhon shut the door the rest of the way stopping 34 of 35 shots.
3 Seniors played their final home game in the maroon and gold: A.J. Michaelson, Ryan Reilly, and Ryan Coyne. Thanks, seniors!
14 Conference wins for the Gophers, which ties the Big Ten record they set last season.
Three Stars
3 – Hudson Fasching scored his 20th goal of the season and assisted on another. He accounted for nine total shots on goal.
2 – Leon Bristedt scored goals 18 and 19 on the season. The Swede also notched an assist.
1 – Justin Kloos scored a goal and added two assists.
What’s Next
The Gophers head to Xcel Energy Center for the Big Ten tournament. Minnesota will open play on Friday at 7:30 p.m. against the winner of Thursday’s quarterfinal game between Michigan State and Ohio State.