Carman still on Schroeder's line in practice

Gophers coach Don Lucia said Wednesday his forwards played much better on Saturday at North Dakota. It's not surprising then, that the lines in practice were unchanged from the second game.

Centering the Maroon line, or top line, was Jordan Schroeder with Mike Carman at left wing and Jay Barriball at right wing. That line was listed as the third line on Saturday but who is kidding who?

Schroeder and Barriball were on the first line all of last season, with Ryan Stoa who signed with Colorado in the offseason. Carman was the second line center in 2008-09.

On the second or Gold line, was Patrick White centering Mike Hoeffel and Ryan Flynn. They were listed as the top line on Saturday.

The Green line had Zach Budish centering Josh Birkholz and Jake Hansen.

The Black line had Taylor Matson and Nico Sacchetti, two players who normally play center, with Tony Lucia. My guess is this would be listed as the third line. Sacchetti and Lucia played together on the same line both games last weekend but had different right wing each night. First night it was Josh Birkholz, second night Jake Hansen. Next game it could be Matson. 

And the fifth line, the Blue or reserve line, had Nick Larson, Joe Miller and Jacob Cepis, who will be eligible at midseason.

Sophomore defenseman Sam Lofquist watched the practice in street clothes from the bench. He has a foot injury. Lofquist played Friday but missed Saturday's game.

Lucia said he would probably play both goalies against Denver. If he sticks to the first weekend rotation, Alex Kangas would be in the nets on Friday and Kent Patterson on Saturday.