Evening from an empty Mariucci Arena, where in 90 minutes, the Gophers will face off for the first time this season against the rival Wisconsin Badgers.
The Gophers are 6-2-1, 3-2-1 in the WCHA; the Badgers are 1-4-1 overall and 1-2-1 in the WCHA. They've had two bye weeks already.
The Gophers are 155-86-20 all-time vs. the Badgers, 90-27-7 at home. The Badgers, who saw assistant coach Bill Butters unexpectedly resign Nov. 5, have split or won its last five season series with the Gophers. The defensive-minded Badgers play a 1-1-3, so Don Lucia, who is looking for more five-on-five scoring, says, "we're going to see three guys skating backwards all night long."
Jake Parenteau is scratched for the Gophers. Mike Shibrowski and Sam Warning are hurt. Leading Badgers scorer Mark Zengerle is out.
Mikael Granlund may be taking in his first-ever college game tonight. The 2010 first-round pick from the Wild is buddies with Erik Haula and wants to see him play in person.
Gophers lineup
FORWARDS
Kyle Rau-Nick Bjugstad-Christian Isackson
