Gophers Hockey: Minnesota vs. Michigan Tech Saturday Night line combinations

Minnesota is going back to what worked well for them last year on defense.

After tasting defeat for the first time this season, the Golden Gophers (2-1-0, 0-1-0 WCHA) have made a few moves as they attempt to get a split with Michigan Tech. Last night's extra defender, Justin Holl (Chicago Blackhawks), is out while Jake Parenteau takes his place in a pairing with Nate Schmidt. He and Parenteau played together for most of last season and another pairing from 2011-2012 - Mark Alt (Carolina Hurricanes) and Ben Marshall (Detroit Red Wings) - is reunited.

Michigan Tech, meanwhile, is content with their lineup and coach Mel Pearson is making no changes from last night's 5-3 win. That includes freshman goalie Pheonix Copely getting the nod in goal.

Up front the only change is that A.J. Michaelson gets into the lineup, replacing fellow freshman Ryan Reilly. The two have split the two weekend games each weekend.

In net for Minnesota is Adam Wilcox (Tampa Bay Lightning), who started last Saturday's game and came in last night after Michael Shibrwoski allowed four goals in a period and change.

University of Minnesota Golden Gophers

Forwards

Kyle Rau (#7) - Nick Bjugstad (#27) - Christian Isackson (#26)

Sam Warning (#11) - Erik Haula (#19) - Zach Budish (#24)

Nate Condon (#16) - Travis Boyd (#22) - Seth Ambroz (#17)

Tom Serratore (#14) - A.J. Michaelson (#15)

Defense

Jake Parenteau (#6) - Nate Schmidt (#29)

Ben Marshall (#10) - Mark Alt (#20)

Seth Helgeson (#4) - Mike Reilly (#5)

Brady Skjei (#2)

Goaltenders

Michael Shibrowski (#1)

Adam Wilcox (#32)

Michigan Tech University Huskies

Forwards

Ryan Furne (#12) - Jujhar Khaira (#7) - Alex Petan (#23)

David Johnstone (#15) - Jacob Johnstone (#8) - Malcolm Gould(#22)

Blake Pietila (#19) - Tanner Kero (#10) - Milos Gordic (#28)

C.J. Eick (#18) - Dennis Rix (#9) - Chad Pietila (#14)

Defense

Bradley Stebner (#3) - Carl Nielsen (#25)

Steven Seigo (#16) - Riley Sweeney (#34)

Daniel Sova (#24) - Justin Fillion (#5)

Goaltender

Jamie Phillips (#30)

Pheonix Copley (#31)

Kevin Genoe (#35)

Tonight's game starts at 6 p.m. CT and airs on Fox Sports North.

For more University of Minnesota coverage, check out The Daily Gopher. You can also read up on the WCHA and college hockey at Western College Hockey and SB Nation's NHL hub.

You can follow Nate during the game on Twitter @gopherstate