The Gophers' first line scored three goals, the second line one and the third line one on Friday as they beat visiting Michigan Tech 5-2.

If they can keep getting that kind of production from every line the maroon and gold should be home for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. No problem.

The win, coupled with sagging Wisconsin's 4-2 loss at St. Cloud State, means the Gophers moved up to fifth place in the WCHA.

If the playoffs were starting this minute, Alaska Anchorage would be at the Gophers. The Seawolves are tied with St. Cloud State with 22 points but get the higher seed on the second tie-breaker, most conference wins.

Big games on Friday for the Gophers:

* Freshman Nick Bjugstad, two short-handed goals, one assist, five shots, plus-3

* Jacob Cepis, senior left winger, game-winner, three shots on goal, plus-1.

* Defenseman Cade Fairchild and forward Mike Hoeffel also were plus-3 and each had an assist.

* Almost unnoticed because he is so steady is Kent Patterson. He made 28 saves, 14 in the third period.

Nice win. Coach Don Lucia called it workmanlike. It looked bettet than that at times. But it's hard to get up for a team that just broke a 26-game winless streak no matter what anyone says.