Gophers Hockey: Shore Completes Minnesota Collapse; Denver Wins In OT 4-3

The University of Minnesota Gophers have gone the entire season without being swept in a two-game series. That is until Saturday.

Nick Shore scored twice, once with 1:26 remaining in the third and then 17 seconds into overtime, to give Denver (17-9-4, 12-6-4 WCHA) a 4-3 win and a sweep over the Gophers. Erik Haula, Zach Budish and Nico Sacchetti scored for Minnesota (19-11-1, 15-7-0 WCHA), who were 10-0 on Saturday before tonight.

One of the problems the Gophers had in last night's loss to Denver was starting off slow.They rectified that tonight as it only took 38 seconds for Haula to steal the puck and shoot over Pioneer goalie Sam Brittain's right shoulder. It was the fastest goal for Minnesota this season and the third time they've scored in the game's first minute.

The remaining 19:22 did not see the puck finding the back of the net but the road team continued to be the aggressor, out-shooting Denver 12-7 and limiting their opportunities on net. Everything that went wrong in the first period for Minnesota on Friday was taken care of Saturday.

The Pioneers made adjustments in the second period to get their offense moving but it was Zach Budish who scored first to put the Gophers ahead 2-0 with 4:43 remaining. Despite being separated from normal linemates Kyle Rau (suspended) and Nick Bjugstad (on a different line), the redshirt sophomore scored his eighth goal of the season on the power play after officials may have missed an offsides call.

Chris Knowlton gave Denver life with 2:21 remaining in the second, capitalizing on a rare error by Minnesota defenseman Justin Holl. He was able to take advantage of the breakaway opportunity and the junior shot the puck past Gopher goaltender Kent Patterson for his tenth goal of the season. Minnesota ended the second period up 2-1 but not before Patterson, who made 37 saves Saturday, ended up being bombarded by scoring chances in the final two minutes.

Denver tied the game at 2 only 2:33 into the final period after both continuing their assault from the second and getting some timely undisciplined play from Minnesota. The Gophers turned a power play to a penalty kill in fifty-one seconds with both Jake Hansen and Budish taking bad penalties away from the puck. It was only a matter of time before someone made them pay and that someone was Pioneer forward Luke Salazar tipping in a Nick Shore shot.

Nico Sacchetti scored his second goal of the season midway through the third to give second-ranked Minnesota a 3-2 lead. However, instead of continuing to try to push the pace like in other games where the team held a one goal lead in the third the Gophers seemed to be content with the lead. They let Denver spend most of the final ten minutes in the Gopher zone and the team was content to dump the puck without trying to get any offense going.

With the chances the Pioneers got, it seemed to be a matter of when, not if, they would score and a late high-sticking penalty by Holl did not help things. Minnesota's penalty kill was able to withstand the first minute but Drew Shore found brother Nick all by himself with a cross-ice pass and the freshman brought the 6,079 fans at Magness Arena to life. The tying goal took the wind out of the Gophers' sails and a hard-working rebound goal by Shore off a face-off left Minnesota one point ahead of Minnesota Duluth and pointless on the weekend.

Like last night, Denver outplayed the Gophers at what they do best. Minnesota has been dominant on both Saturdays and the third period throughout the season and they were neither against the Pioneers. Whether or not it's just head coach George Gwozdecky having Don Lucia's number - he is now 13-2-1 in the last 16 games between the two teams - they deserve bit of credit. Denver is finally getting healthy for the first season and looks to be going in the right direction after struggling last weekend against Colorado College. That might be the silver lining for Minnesota because after getting swept this weekend, it is more than possible to come back from adversity and do something about being swept for the first time all season.

They just actually need to do something about it.

Minnesota plays Bemidji State next weekend at Mariucci Arena. Both Friday and Saturday's games start at 7 PM with Friday's game is on Fox Sports North Plus and Saturday seeing the Gophers return to the main FSN channel.

For more Gopher coverage, check out The Daily Gopher. For WCHA coverage, read Western College Hockey.

Minnesota vs. Denver Saturday Line Combinations

With Jason Zucker out of tonight's game due to injury and Kyle Rau suspended, both teams have different lineups from Friday. Denver forward Dan Olszewski takes Zucker's place in the Pioneers lineup. Minnesota, meanwhile, drastically altered their lineup without Rau and split his normal linemates (Nick Bjugstad and Zach Budish) across two lines.

Bjugstad is playing with Erik Haula and Nico Sacchetti while Budish is on a line with Sam Warning and Taylor Matson. These lines break up three pairings which have been mainstays this season - Bjugstad/Budish, Haula/Hansen and Matson/Nate Condon.

Colorado native Tom Serratore is the new face in the Gopher lineup.

Sam Brittain starts in net for Denver while Kent Patterson continues to play every minute for the Gophers.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Line Combinations:

Forwards:

Erik Haula - Nick Bjugstad - Nico Sacchetti

Sam Warning - Taylor Matson - Zach Budish

Joe Miller - Nate Condon - Jake Hansen

Tom Serratore - Christian Isackson - Seth Ambroz

Defense:

Seth Helgeson - Justin Holl

Ben Marshall - Mark Alt

Jake Parenteau - Nate Schmidt

Goalies (bold indicates starter):

Kent Patterson

Michael Shibrowski

Denver Pioneers Line Combinations:

Forwards:

Ty Loney - Drew Shroe - Luke Salazar

Chris Knowlton - Nick Shore - Daniel Doremus

Nate Dewhurst - Shawn Ostrow - Dustin Jackson

Larkin Jacobson - Matt Tabrum - Dan Olszewski

Defense:

Paul Phillips - Scott Mayfield

John Ryder - Josiah Didier

Joey LaLeggia - John Lee

Goalies:

Sam Brittain

Juho Olkinuora

Zack Hope

Tonight's game starts at 8:00 PM and is being televised on Fox Sports North Plus (find your channel here). You can follow me on Twitter for in-game hockey updates @gopherstate and follow @sbnminnesota for the best in Minnesota sports.

Gophers Hockey: Five Different Players Score For Denver As Pioneers Beat Minnesota 5-3

Whether it was the Friday night funk which has plagued Minnesota (19-10-1, 15-6-0 WCHA) throughout the season or the Denver Pioneers being kryptonite in the Don Lucia Era, tonight's 5-3 loss fit a pattern of Gopher hockey this season.

Five different players - Shawn Ostrow, Dustin Jackson, Nate Dewhurst, Jason Zucker and Chris Knowlton - scored for Denver (16-9-4, 11-6-4 WCHA) Friday night at Magness Arena. Nate Condon, Kyle Rau and Zach Budish scored for the Gophers but 31 saves by Sam Brittain and a sluggish opening twenty minutes doomed Minnesota.

The Gophers defense had been one of the strong points over the last month, not giving up more than two goals since a 4-3 loss to Notre Dame January 7th. Despite that, It only took 17 minutes for Denver to score three goals on senior goaltender Kent Patterson. After Nate Condon took advantage of a turnover in the neutral zone to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead nine minutes into the game, the Pioneers took over.

Out-shooting the Gophers 19-9 in the first period, it only took forty seconds for Ostrow to tie the game on a rebound which failed to be cleared out from in front of the net. Three minutes later Dustin Jackson gave Denver the lead off of a faceoff which hit defenseman Mark Alt and bounced past Patterson. Nate Dewhurst then went top-shelf to complete the three-goal first period.

The Pioneers have a lot of firepower on their top two lines with Drew Shore, Jason Zucker, Nick Shore and Luke Salazzar but all three goals were scored by the third line outworking the Minnesota defense.

Kyle Rau got the Gophers within one 1:56 into the second period to make it 3-2. His goal, assisted by Zach Budish and Nick Bjugstad, came from the crease on a Minnesota power play and looked to get the team back into the game. Unfortunately it was as close as the Gophers ever got because two minutes later Jason Zucker scored his own power play goal for Denver. Zucker's shot came from an extremely sharp angle to Patterson's left and was reminicsent to the goal Ben Hanowski scored in Minnesota's previous game.

Chris Knowlton and Budish also scored in the period to give Denver a 5-3 lead heading into the final twenty minutes. Their goals, however, were overshadowed by Kyle Rau launching himself into Zucker and leaving the Minnesota Wild draft pick motionless on the ice for several minutes. Zucker was eventually able to stand up and get helped off the ice to be looked at. He did not return.

Rau was given a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct.

The penalty and aftermath changed things for the Gophers. Although Minnesota killed all five minutes of the major, Knowlton scored seconds later. Budish matched it, tipping in a Seth Helgeson shot. The goal was reviewed for close to five minutes but eventually ruled good.

Minnesota looked their best in the third period but it was too little, too late for the WCHA leaders. Pioneers goalie Sam Brittain looked shaky at times - he nearly got beat by a Ben Marshall shot which hit the post - being peppered by Gopher shots. Despite that, he turned away everything in the final twenty minutes and was every bit the goaltender he was before having knee surgery.

Overall, it was far from an ideal performance for the Gophers.They had some positives like the play of Nate Condon (who continues to shine on the penalty kill and twice nearly scored his fifth shorthanded goal) and the third period but the Pioneers did a great job of taking advantage of their mistakes. Denver was able to push the pace, Minnesota's goaltending and defense looked absolutely shaky at times and the team could not give themselves a chance to win. That's been key to the Gophers when they've started slow in past games and the Pioneers deserve credit for frustrating them en route to handing the Maroon and Gold only their second loss of more than one goal.

The Pioneers never let Minnesota get settled, even in the third period, and while the Gophers are known for their scoring depth Denver one-upped them. They scored five goals from players not named Shore and were able to overcome the loss of Zucker. Not many teams can say the same and on a night which the nation saw them, Minnesota once again failed to deliver against their kryptonite.

Minnesota and Denver play again Saturday at 8 PM CT in Denver, Colorado. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports North Plus.

For more Gopher coverage check out The Daily Gopher. For more WCHA coverage go to Western College Hockey.

Kyle Rau Suspended One Game For Hit On Jason Zucker

Minnesota Gophers freshman forward Kyle Rau (Florida Panthers) was suspended for tonight's game against Denver by the WCHA for his hit on Denver sophomore forward Jason Zucker (Minnesota Wild) in Friday's 5-3 loss. Rau, who leads all freshmen with 14 goals, hit Zucker late in the second period that saw a frightening scene where Zucker laid motionless on the ice for several minutes on national television.

From the WCHA Press Release:

MADISON, Wis. - The men's Western Collegiate Hockey Association today announced a one-game suspension to University of Minnesota hockey player Kyle Rau for his actions in the February 10 game vs the University of Denver.

Rau's suspension was determined after a review of the incident under the WCHA's Supplementary Discipline Policy and Procedures. At the time of the incident, he was assessed a 5:00-major penalty for boarding and a 10:00-game misconduct.

Rau will be required to serve this one-game suspension in his team's next regularly scheduled game on Saturday, February 11 vs the University of Denver.

There is some good news in that Zucker's injuries are not concussion-related and appear to be a deep bruise. His status has not been updated by the University of Denver, however, and will most likely miss tonight's game as well.

For more Gopher coverage check out The Daily Gopher. For more WCHA coverage go to Western College Hockey.

VIDEO: Kyle Rau Hits Jason Zucker; Gets Game Misconduct

The Gophers are presently losing 5-3 in the middle of the third period but one play which is sure to be discussed is Minnesota freshman Kyle Rau's (Florida Panthers) hit on Denver sophomore Jason Zucker (Minnesota Wild). The hit, which happened 6:38 into the second period after both players had scored for their teams, was violent in a night of violent hits and led to both teams skirmishing with one another.

From CJ Fogler (@cjzero):

Zucker was motionless for several minutes on the ice and his status is unknown as of now. However he did leave under his own power, much to the delight of the crowd at Magness Arena.

Rau was given a five minute major for boarding and game misconduct for the play. It didn't appear to be a check from behind and if anything Rau was guilty of charging. He will be available to play Saturday when the two teams rematch.

For more Gopher coverage check out The Daily Gopher. For more WCHA coverage go to Western College Hockey.

Minnesota vs. Denver Friday Night Line Combinations

When Minnesota was last on the ice, they dominated St. Cloud State everywhere besides the scoreboard. All four lines clicked, the Gophers were able to control the puck and the Huskies only had 12 shots on goal (11 if Ben Hanowski scoring from behind the net doesn't count). Therefore it's no surprise to see Don Lucia go with the same lineup against Denver that played January 28th.

The Pioneers made one change from their lineup last Saturday. Senior captain Dustin Jackson returns to the lineup, playing on the third line with Nate Dewhurst and Shawn Ostrow, and Zac Larazza sits.

Kent Patterson makes the start for the Gophers while Sam Brittain is between the pipes for Denver.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Line Combinations

Forwards:

Kyle Rau - Nick Bjugstad - Zach Budish

Sam Warning - Erik Haula - Jake Hansen

Nate Condon - Taylor Matson - Seth Ambroz

Joe Miller - Christian Isackson - Nico Sacchetti

Defense:

Seth Helgeson - Justin Holl

Ben Marshall - Mark Alt

Jake Parenteau - Nate Schmidt

Goalies (bold indicates starting):

Kent Patterson

Michael Shibrowski

Denver Pioneers Line Combinations:

Forwards

Ty Loney - Drew Shore - Luke Salazar

Jason Zucker - Nick Shore - Chris Knowlton

Nate Dewhurst - Shawn Ostrow - Dustin Jackson

Larkin Jacobson - Matt Tabrum - Daniel Doremus

Defense

Paul Phillips - Scott Mayfield

John Ryder - Josh Didier

Joey LaLeggia - John Lee

Goalies

Sam Brittain

Juho Olkinuora

Zack Hope

Tonight's game starts at 9:00 PM and is being televised on both Fox Sports North Plus (find your channel here) and NBC Sports Network. You can follow me on Twitter for in-game hockey updates @gopherstate and follow @sbnminnesota for the best in Minnesota sports.

Gophers Hockey: Pairwise Update, Lucia At Super Bowl, Big Ten Hockey Tournament In St. Paul?

Some miscellaneous Gopher hockey news and notes that aren't big enough for their own post:

-Pairwise Update: Despite being off last week, Minnesota actually moved up in the all important Pairwise rankings (which decide the seeds and at-large bids for the NCAA hockey tournament). The Gophers went from 9th to 7th, tied with Merrimack, and would be a second seed in the West Regional if the season ended today.

Minnesota is one of many WCHA teams who see their stock lowered in the Pairwise. Right now only the Gophers and Minnesota Duluth would be guaranteed in the tournament if the season ended today. North Dakota likely would be in as the last at-large bid but only if there are no upsets in the conference tournaments. Colorado College and Denver are also within striking distance as the season winds down.

-Super Coach: It wasn't all business during the bye week for Gopher head coach Don Lucia. Lucia took his son Mario, who presently plays for the Penticton Vees in British Columbia, on his official recruiting visit to Notre Dame and then to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl. The younger Lucia, drafted by the Minnesota Wild this past summer, will be playing for the Irish next fall, following in the footsteps of Don.

(via @mlucia1993)

-Ness Makes NHL Debut: Former Gopher Aaron Ness made his NHL Debut with the New York Islanders Tuesday. The Roseau native left Minnesota a year early this past April to turn pro and already has been called up by GM Garth Snow (aka the guy who was not happy with Kyle Okposo's development with Minnesota then turned around and drafted Ness and let him develop for 3 years at the same Minnesota). Ness played 14:25 and was plugged in while two Islanders defensemen battled injuries.

-St. Paul in running to host Big Ten Hockey Tournament: News came out this week that the Big Ten (which the Gophers will join in 2013 alongside Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State) will forgo their original plan of an on-campus tournament and look for a neutral site to host. According to Andy Baggot of the Wisconsin State Journal, the two front-runners are two buildings which have hosted conference tournaments before - Joe Louis Arena in Detroit (with the CCHA Tournament) and Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul (home of the WCHA Final Five).

I think this is the best option for the Big Ten. 4 of the 6 teams are closer to Detroit but Minnesota and Wisconsin have two of the largest fanbases in college hockey. Having the tournament in St. Paul also makes sure that the NCHC (which will be formed at the same time with North Dakota, Minnesota Duluth, St. Cloud State and other teams) cannot use the X for their own conference tournament and puts "the National" at a disadvantage at least every other year. Whether the casual fans and large Gopher fanbase can fill the X on a yearly basis like the WCHA teams do at the Final Five is unknown and until a pattern emerges that either St. Paul or Detroit is the better option at filling the building, the Big Ten would be best off switching between the two sites.

Minnesota vs. Denver Game Time, TV Schedule, Radio & More

The 19-9-1 University of Minnesota Golden Gophers play two hockey games this weekend against the 15-9-4 University of Denver Pioneers at Magness Arena in Denver. The Gophers were off last weekend after sweeping St. Cloud State while Denver lost and tied against in-state rival Colorado College last weekend.

Minnesota enters this weekend ranked first in the USA Today/USA Hockey poll and second in the USCHO poll. The Pioneers are fourteenth in both rankings.

Details for this weekend's series are below, which include a simulcast Friday for those in the Twin Cities area.

Game Dates: Friday February 10th & Saturday February 11th
Location For Both Games: Magness Arena, Denver, CO

Friday Game Time: 9:00 PM CST
TV Schedule: Fox Sports North Plus (find channel here) & NBC Sports Network (find channel here)
Announcers: Anthony LaPanta & Kevin Gorg (FSN), Gord Miller & Mike Greenlay (NBCSN)

Saturday Game Time: 8:00 PM CST
TV Schedule: Fox Sports North Plus

Radio For Both Nights: 1500 ESPN
Announcers: Wally Shaver & Frank Mazzocco

For more Gophers coverage, check out The Daily Gopher. For WCHA news and opinion go to Western College Hockey.

Gophers Hockey: Minnesota Travels To Denver In Big WCHA Series

For more Gophers coverage, read The Daily Gopher.