The Gophers have history on their side. Over the last five years they've won at least one game on the road at Wisconsin.
The challenging environment of the Kohl Center is usually good for one loss and if the Gophers can continue this trend, coach Don Lucia will be content.
"We've had a pretty good history of at least winning a game when we go to the Kohl Center," Lucia said. "We know how difficult it is to win two at Wisconsin. They're 13-2-1 at home this year."
Last season, the Gophers won their first game at Wisconsin before losing two days later at Soldier Field in Chicago. Two years ago, they recovered to win Game 2. Three years ago, it was a win and a tie. Four years ago, a split. The point is, there's a trend and the Gophers know it.
This consistency will keep the No. 1-ranked team from getting caught up on the Badgers' home record.
Wisconsin hyped the Gophers' visit as the biggest series of the season. A Thursday night college hockey game is rare in Madison, but coach Mike Eaves still expected good fan support. The Kohl Center has been filling up more after each Badger victory.
"We had 15,000 at our last home game and 14,000 the Saturday before that," Eaves said. "The people are juiced about the Big Ten. Thursday, I don't know what we'll get. I think for Friday there are only a few tickets left."
The Kohl Center seats 15,237 for hockey games.
