The return of Vinni Lettieri and several line adjustments could provide the boost the Gophers need after suffering their first shutout in more than a year and half.
Lettieri returns to the center position on the third line and left wings Connor Reilly and Leon Bristedt swap roles on the first and third lines.
The Gophers delayed their usual lineup release on Saturday, likely trying to settle on several changes. Each line struggled to produce scoring chances on Friday night and any change could be good for the offense.
The Gophers had several hours on a bus late last night to reflect on the shutout. After the 3-0 loss they cleaned up and left for Duluth. The postgame trip avoided traveling two-plus hours on a game day and allowed for a morning skate on the smaller ice sheet at Amsoil Arena.
The seniors are the only players with experience in this environment. The last time the Gophers played in Duluth was in October 2011 and they swept the Bulldogs on their home ice. In February 2010 the Bulldogs were 1-0-1 at Amsoil Arena against the in-state rival.
"I think that was the first road series weekend of my freshman year, so I remember playing up there. It's a fairly new rink and the fans are pretty crazy up there," Gophers senior forward Sam Warning said. "So it will definitely be fun playing there on the road. We'll have to take an approach like it's any other game."
The Gophers have lost the opening game in both home-and-home series this season. They struggled in the high-energy atmosphere of the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud. We'll see how they handle a similar environment on Saturday night in Duluth.
Friday replay: Top-ranked Gophers shut out 3-0. In-state rival Minnesota Duluth breaks Gophers' 17-game home-unbeaten streak, read Friday night's game story and postgame blog and box score. Watch postgame video of Gophers sophomore forward Justin Kloos, Gophers coach Don Lucia, and Minnesota Duluth sophomore defenseman Dan Molenaar (Eden Prairie product).
