series preview: NO. 1 GOPHERS vs. NO. 19 MINNESOTA DULUTH
7:10 p.m. Friday and 4:10 p.m. Sunday at Mariucci Arena
TV/radio/live stream: FSN Plus Friday, FSN on Sunday; 1500-AM both days; BTN2Go.com both nights
Gophers at a glance: It's their final warm-up before officially embracing the new Big Ten hockey era. Forward Tom Serratore said the Gophers want to maintain their status as the best program in the state. "These Minnesota rivalries are something we really take personal," Serratore said. Gophers coach Don Lucia expects the defense to play tighter after a shutout in front of backup goaltender Michael Shibrowski.
Bulldogs at a glance: Minnesota Duluth's 5-4-1 start is a result of a tough early-season schedule. They won at least one of two game against Michigan Tech, Colorado College, Notre Dame, Ohio State and North Dakota. Lucia watched the Bulldogs against Notre Dame and said they are similar to his team with a lot of young talent. The Bulldogs' freshmen are averaging 3.2 points per game. Forward Kyle Osterberg was the National Collegiate Hockey Conference freshman of the month for October. The Gophers are 3-0-1 in the past four meetings with UMD.
JASON GONZALEZ
