The Gophers go for a trio of sweeps against in-state rivals on Sunday evening. A win against Minnesota-Duluth would complete a 6-0 run over Bemidji State, Minnesota-State and Minnesota-Duluth.
UMD was the last in-state rival to find success against the Gophers. The Bulldogs tied the Gophers late last season, 2-2, at Mariucci Arena. Here's more on the rivalries in Sunday's preview:
The Gophers men's hockey team doesn't need the Western Collegiate Hockey Association to keep its in-state dominance. Through five nonconference meetings with former WCHA members and in-state rivals, the Gophers are perfect.
They can complete a trio of sweeps against Minnesota opponents on Sunday when Minnesota Duluth returns to Mariucci Arena.
Completing this run in their first year outside of the WCHA is important to the Gophers. They kicked off the in-state rivalries with a sweep at Bemidji State in mid-October. Last weekend, they swept Minnesota State Mankato. OnFriday, they cruised past UMD 6-1.
"The Minnesota rivalries are huge for us. We want to be the best team in Minnesota," Gophers senior forward Tom Serratore said. "We were 4-0 coming into [Friday night], and that is something we take pride in at the U."
• Mariucci Arena entertained fans before Sunday's game with a Vikings-Packers feed on the jumbotron. Here's a look at the ice cheerleaders warming up while Green Bay mounted its comeback.
