The University of Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team returns to AMSOIL Arena after a week off, set to take on No. 5 University of Denver for the first time this season.
LAST TIME OUT The most recent battle between these National Collegiate Hockey Conference opponents was last February. In the series split, UMD bounced back for a 6-5 Saturday night win. The high-scoring second game featured goals from several returning Bulldogs. Ben Steeves scored twice, at even strength and then again on the power play. He was joined by Darian Gotz, Quinn Olson, and Luke Johnson. On Friday night, Luke Loheit scored UMD's sole goal.
COACH'S CORNER Earlier this week, Head Coach Scott Sandelin talked to the media about what the team needs to do in this weekend's series. "For us, it's playing the game the right way," Sandelin said. "You have to play the game the right way. We have to take care of pucks." He went on to say that against a transition team like DU, it's vital to slow them down somehow. "You gotta take away time and space the best you can...that's just playing smart."
TANDEM GOALTENDING Last season, Matthew Thiessen and Zach Stejskal shared the crease against the Pioneers. They've largely traded weekends in net this season, but in the Bulldogs most recent series, the two shared the spotlight. Stejskal has started in more games this season for UMD (17) and has a .911 save percentage. Thiessen has 11 starts and follows closely with a .903 save percentage.
NCHC OUTLOOK Half of the NCHC took a bye week last weekend, leaving the number of conference games played lopsided. The Bulldogs are currently seventh, but Omaha is only three points ahead with two more games played. DU sits six points (or two wins) ahead of UMD.
STANDOUT SPECIAL TEAMS The Bulldogs are first in the NCHC in penalty kill percentage (.838), as well as power play percentage (.279). On the man advantage, UMD ranks fifth in the NCAA. Steeves has been the key to the Bulldog power play's success. He's second nationally in power play goals (11).
STEEVES FOR HOBEY Steeves has impressed beyond just his power play prowess. The sophomore forward is UMD's Hobey Baker Memorial Award for the second season in a row. He's third in the country in goals per game (.78), as well as game winning goals (5). Next month, the top 10 Hobey Baker nominees will be announced.
PERKINS CONTINUES TO PROVE HIMSELF Following the Bulldogs' last series, freshman Matthew Perkins was named NCHC Rookie of the Week. He scored twice against Omaha (2-1-3). Perkins has been named ROTW once before this season, after his last 3-point weekend.
GET READY FOR RAFFLES On Friday night, fans at the game can purchase raffle tickets for signed NHL jerseys. All proceeds will go to the Adam Johnson Foundation. The next night, Kolar Toyota will be promoting their 50/50 raffle and fishing tournament. Those will benefit individuals living with ALS and their families.
