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The Wild's Mats Zuccarello, right, celebrated with Jason Zucker after scoring the go-ahead goal in the third period of Minnesota's 5-4 victory over Ta

The Wild in the playoffs? Suddenly, the notion isn't so far-fetched

By beating Tampa Bay on Thursday night, coach Bruce Boudreau's team won its fifth consecutive game and sits in the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference.

Gophers

Gophers men's hockey struggling to win series openers

December 6

In their eight series openers this season, the Gophers have a 2-4-2 record and have been outscored 31-19.

Gophers

U men's hockey regrouping after rough weekend, subpar first half

December 4

Mistakes, then corrections. That's been a theme for the Gophers all season long, a byproduct of having a roster that relies on nine freshmen in regular roles.

Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs forward Riley Tufte (27) and Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Darian Romanko (26) tussled during the third period of a game

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College hockey guide: Conference schedules, updates and more

July 25

Here's where to go for information about men's and women's college hockey conferences around the United States. Tap here for schedules, statistics and more.

Wild

Wild outscores Lightning for fifth straight win, runs point streak to 11 games

December 6

The Wild scored three times in a 1:41 stretch of the first period, then came up with the game-winning goal only eight seconds after the Lightning had tied the score at 4-4 early in the third.

Gophers

For Gophers women's hockey, playing in Nashville like a bowl trip

December 4

Coach Brad Frost's team took in Music City's sights and sounds, bought cowboy hats and played a couple of strong games.

Wild

Losing while winning: Spurgeon, Koivu injured in Wild's win over Florida

December 4

Defenseman Jared Spurgeon was hurt in the first period and center Mikko Koivu skated one shift in the third before leaving the game, which the Wild won with a pair of third-period goals.

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College hockey offers fine appetizers for a big football weekend

November 27

North Dakota vs. the Gophers offers tradition and some nastiness, while Minnesota State at Minnesota Duluth matches the nation's No. 1 team vs. the defending champion.

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Wild's win had a bit of everything, especially entertainment

November 22

A triumph over a rival, a head-butt save and a shout-out to an NFL legend all came together during and after the Wild's 3-2 win over Colorado on Thursday night.

Gophers