Look at U vs. Badgers series

The Gophers-Badgers rivalry is one of the best in the WCHA, so says Minnesota coach Don Lucia.

"They have had a great program over the years," Lucia said. "We have had a great program over the years. Obviously, there have been some big games. That's what makes it a healthy rivalry.

"It's Minnesota vs. Wisconsin. It could be in Gophers' athletics, Vikings, baseball, it doesn't really matter. ... But I think it is a respectul rivalry. As a team we enjoy going there to play. It's a fun atmosphere to play in and it will be a good test for us this weekend."

Last year the Gophers tied 2-2 and won 5-2 in Madison. The Badgers swept at Mariucci, 3-2, 5-4.

The Gophers have one player from Wisconsin, D Sam Lofquist; the Badgers have five players from Minnesota:

* F Aaron Bendickson, Thief River Falls

* D Ryan McDonagh, Arden Hills (Cretin-Derham Hall)

* F Derek Stepan, Hastings

* F Jordy Murray, Faribault (Shattuck-St. Mary's)

"There's always a bit extra when yuo play your home state," Lucia said. "We see that on a regular basis just about every weekend with who we play. They are always going to have that little bit of extra incentive. And so is somebody like Sam Lofquist who is from Wisconsin."

Lofquist, a sophmore D, scored his only goal of last season in Madison.

MORE LUCIA

On Badgers star D-man Brendan Smith: "He has a tremendous shot and he is very effective on the power play. He is very good offensively. There is a reason he was picked in the first round by Detroit. he has really grown as a player."

WCHA NOTES

* Colorado College and Denver lead the conference standings with 3-0-1 records for seven points.

* CC freshman goalie Joe Howe, who played for Wayzata High, is 4-0-1. Last weekend he stopped 65 of 71 shots (.915) in a sweep of Michigan Tech.

* The Gophers are 1-for-29 on the power play. ... Alex Kangas has lowered his goals-against average to 2.01. In his career he have given up one goal in 15 games and has three shutouts.

Jack Connolly, 6-8-14

Justin Fontaine, 7-5-12 ... six of his goals are on power plays

Rob Bordson, 3-8-11

* Freshman forward Tyler Pitlick of Minnesota State Mankato is the youngest player in the WCHA; he just turned 18.

* Junior forward Brad Malone of North Dakota has won 69.5 percent of his draws

* The Huskies also have had injury problems. Freshman F Dave Eddy (ankle) has not played yet. Sophomore D Sam Zabkowicz (headaches) missed five games and sophomore F Travis Novak (shoulder) four.