The Daily Gopher - Big Ten Hockey Tournament 2015Your online home for Minnesota Golden Gophers football, basketball and hockey.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49211/daily-gopher-fave.png2015-03-22T02:06:58-05:00http://www.thedailygopher.com/rss/stream/80162002015-03-22T02:06:58-05:002015-03-22T02:06:58-05:00Gophers Down Michigan 4-2 in Big Ten Championship
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<p>Gopher Fans spent the better part of two days running Pairwise Simulations desperately trying to find a way for Minnesota to make the NCAA field. Then the team took care of it on the ice.</p> <div class="likebox-float-right"><iframe allowtransparency="true" style="border:none; overflow:hidden;" scrolling="no" src="//www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthedailygopher&width=560&height=210&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&show_border=false&stream=false&header=false" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
<p>The Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the Michigan Wolverines 4-2 on Saturday in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-championship-game">Big Ten Championship</a> Game, guaranteeing themselves a berth in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a> and eliminating the Michigan from the same.</p>
<p>As has been true during Minnesota's recent hot streak, the Gophers used a potent combination of scoring from their senior class and excellent goal tending from <span>Adam Wilcox</span> (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>) to finish off the Wolverines.</p>
<p>Minnesota came into the game after dispatching Ohio State in crevasse-puckering fashion. Friday night, the Gophers looked extremely tense and like they were trying to force the play for the majority of the night. Saturday, they looked loose and confident, especially in a first period in which they dominated.</p>
<p>Despite completely owning in the puck in the first period and putting 20 shots onto Michigan goalie Steve Racine, the Gophers were not able to build a lead in the first frame.</p>
<p>The first goal of the game wouldn't come until early in the second period, when Travis Boyd (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a>) fluttered home a one-timer on a power play that knuckled just inside the near pipe before Racine could close the gap.</p>
<p>Michigan struck back quickly as the Big Ten's Legion of Doom Officiating Crew of Steve McInchak and Barry Pochmara magically discovered the ability to call penalties (which was in question throughout the first period) and gave the Wolverines two power plays in the next four minutes of play. On the first, a Michigan skater appeared to step on Vinni Littieri's stick while Littieri was being held against the wall by a defender. Littieri was called for hooking. A couple minutes later, Kyle Rau (Florid <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/">Panthers</a>), was called for cross checking on a play in front Wilcox. The calls were so unexpected based on how the rest of the game had been officiated that even the BTN commentators were lamenting the inconsistency.</p>
<p>When a Conference's TV personalities turn on the officiating (meaning they say anything that can be construed as disagreeing with a call rather than fawning over how good the referees are), you know it's bad. Perhaps even more embarrassing than McInchak's and Pochmara's performances was the linesmen's complete inability to determine if a play was onside or manage a fair faceoff.</p>
<p>To their credit, Michigan converted both opportunities to take the lead.</p>
<p>Minnesota's Captain Rau (, the victim of one of the newly discovered penalties, evened the game on a 2-on-1 break midway through the period. On the play, <span>Hudson Fasching</span> (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a>) made a great pass to Rau, who had a gaping goal mouth to work with.</p>
<p>The 2-2 score held until Justin Kloos fired a diving shot past Racine's glove on a power play opportunity halfway through the third period. The play was a great individual effort by Kloos, and the goal would end up the game-winner.</p>
<p>Boyd added a second goal on a clearance from the defensive end of the ice with Michigan's net empty. That goal sealed the game and Minnesota's first Conference Tournament Championship since 2007.</p>
<p>Wilcox finished the game with 24 saves. He was named the Tournament MVP after stopping 63 shots in two games.</p>
<p>Wilcox, Rau, Boyd, and Hobey Baker candidate <span>Mike Reilly</span> (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jacketscannon.com/">Columbus Blue Jackets</a>) were named to the All-Tournament team, along with Michigan's Zach Hyman and <span>Michael Downing</span> (Florida Panthers).</p>
<p>This was a great weekend of hockey by the Gophers, who weathered a storm against Ohio State in the first game and played an excellent game against a Michigan team which led the nation in scoring. The last eight days, with their whole season on the line, the Gophers answered the bell in each of four games and are riding a wave of momentum into the NCAA Tournament.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Dark516Knight" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Dark516Knight</a>
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https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/3/22/8271877/big-ten-hockey-tournament-2015-minnesota-golden-gophers-michigan-wolverines-recap-championshipDarkKnight52015-03-21T21:28:50-05:002015-03-21T21:28:50-05:00BIG TEN CHAMPS!<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/B1GHockey/status/579468957318533121">BIG TEN&nbsp;CHAMPS!</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>With a 4-2 victory over the Michigan Wolverines, the Golden Gophers brought home the Big Ten Tournament Title to match the Big Ten Season Championship they won last weekend!</p>
<br /><p><strong>UPDATE:</strong> Here's our full recap and highlights from last night's big win!</p>
<br /><p><strong>HATS OFF to the Pride On Ice!</strong></p></p></div>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/3/21/8271411/b1g-ten-champsDarkKnight52015-03-21T14:18:34-05:002015-03-21T14:18:34-05:00Championship Golden Nugs!
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<p>Today's Nugz is dedicated to the hockey teams.</p> <p>The Gopher Women are playing for the National Championship!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_27755912/ncaa-womens-hockey-gophers-3-wisconsin-1" target="_blank">NCAA women's hockey: Gophers 3, Wisconsin 1 - TwinCities.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_27759492/gophers-junior-forward-hannah-brandt-edged-top-womens" target="_blank">Gophers junior forward Hannah Brandt edged for top women's hockey player award - TwinCities.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.uscho.com/2015/03/21/familiar-combination-of-brandt-and-menefee-pushes-minnesota-info-d-i-womens-final/" target="_blank">Familiar combination of Brandt and Menefee pushes Minnesota info D-I women’s final :: USCHO.com :: U.S. College Hockey Online</a></p>
<p>The Gopher Men are playing for the Big Ten Championship sweep!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.uscho.com/rankings/pwp-results/" target="_blank">PairWise Predictor Results :: Rankings :: USCHO.com :: U.S. College Hockey Online</a></p>
<p><a href="http://collegehockeyranked.com/" target="_blank">Jim Dahl's College Hockey Ranked | A place for college hockey PWR and RPI</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/297085331.html" target="_blank">Gophers advance to Big Ten title game with shutout over Ohio State | Star Tribune</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/297097141.html" target="_blank">Postgame: Wilcox peaking at right time, earns share of Gophers' all-time shutouts record + video | Ice Gold | StarTribune.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://blog.collegehockeynews.com/2015/03/2015-pairwise-live-blog/" target="_blank">College Hockey News: Blog " Blog Archive " 2015 Pairwise Live blog</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.uscho.com/bracketology/2015/03/21/what-i-believe-friday-night-edition/" target="_blank">What I Believe – Friday night edition :: USCHO.com Blogs :: Bracketology Blog :: U.S. College Hockey Online</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2015/03/20_gophers_taking_no_chances.php" target="_blank">College Hockey News: Gophers Taking No Chances</a></p>
<p>The most consequential game for the Gophers NCAA Tourney hopes outside of their own game against Michigan is Harvard vs. Colgate.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.uscho.com/2015/03/20/harvard-a-bit-better-defined-after-ousting-quinnipiac/" target="_blank">Harvard a bit better defined after ousting Quinnipiac :: USCHO.com :: U.S. College Hockey Online</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.uscho.com/2015/03/20/colgates-borkowski-gets-the-spotlight-for-overtime-goal-but-his-whole-line-impresses/">Colgate's Second Line Developing :: U.S. College Hockey Online</a></p>
<p>And finally, this one feels appropriate based on the college tournament attendance.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps/297098961.html" target="_blank">Empty seats in huge arenas a losing game for high school events | Star Tribune</a></p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/3/21/8269447/minnesota-golden-gophers-hockey-championship-saturday-hockey-nugzDarkKnight52015-03-21T13:52:10-05:002015-03-21T13:52:10-05:00Semifinal Highlights<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mGO5fmlLMXw" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Highlights of the Gophers 3-0 victory over Ohio State in the Big Ten Semifinal.</p></p></div>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/3/21/8270257/semifinal-highlightsDarkKnight52015-03-20T18:02:01-05:002015-03-20T18:02:01-05:00Gophers Win 3-0! Advance to B1G Championship<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/GopherHockey/status/579053381487964160">Gophers Win 3-0! Advance to B1G&nbsp;Championship</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>ADAM WALLCOX</p></p></div>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/3/20/8267987/gophers-win-3-0-advance-to-b1g-championshipDarkKnight52015-03-20T14:30:02-05:002015-03-20T14:30:02-05:00The Gopher Hockey/Basketball Tourney SUPER THREAD
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<p>ALL OF THE GOPHER SPORTS!</p> <p>Talk about a Gopher Sports superstorm. Three games that are just back to back to back. No no...they actually overlap. Here's the timeline:</p>
<p>- Men's Hockey drops the puck at 3:30 pm CT</p>
<p>- Women's Basketball tips off at 4:00 pm CT</p>
<p>- Women's Hockey drops the puck at 5:00 pm CT</p>
<p>So get all of your TV's, a couple of laptops, and a phone/tablet (or two) ready because watching Gopher Men's Hockey, Gopher Women's Basketball, and Gopher Women's Hockey (plus a little NCAA tournament action) is going to take every screen you have.</p>
<h3>Gopher Men's Hockey</h3>
<h4>Big Ten Tournament - Semi-Finals</h4>
<p><b>When:</b> 3:30 pm CT</p>
<p><b>Where: </b>Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI</p>
<p><b>Opponent: </b>Ohio State Buckeyes</p>
<p><b>TV:</b> Big Ten Network</p>
<p><b>Video Streaming:</b> BTN2Go.com</p>
<p><b>Radio:</b> 1500 ESPN</p>
<p><b>Audio Streaming:</b> 1500ESPN.com or the 1500 ESPN app</p>
<h3>Gopher Women's Basketball</h3>
<h4>NCAA Tournament - First Round</h4>
<p><b>When:</b> 4:00 pm CT</p>
<p><b>Where:</b> South Bend, IN</p>
<p><b>Opponent:</b> DePaul Blue Devils</p>
<p><b>TV:</b> ESPN2</p>
<p><b>Video Streaming: </b>WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app</p>
<p><b>Radio:</b> AM 1570 KYCR</p>
<p><b>Streaming Audio:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gophersports.com/collegesportslive/?media=492751">GopherSports.com</a></p>
<h3>Gopher Women's Hockey</h3>
<h4>NCAA Tournament - Frozen Four Semi-Finals</h4>
<p><b>When: </b>5:00 PM CT</p>
<p><b>Where:</b> Ridder Arena, Minneapolis, MN</p>
<p><b>TV:</b> None, because we live in a very stupid world where sports media is controlled by idiots.</p>
<p><b>Video Streaming:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncaa.com/liveschedule/2015/03/20">NCAA Live Video</a></p>
<p><b>Radio: </b>105 The Ticket (Joined In Progress after NCAA Basketball)</p>
<p><b>Audio Streaming: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gophersports.com/collegesportslive/?media=492751">GopherSports.com</a></p>
<h3>GO GOPHERS!!!</h3>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/3/20/8265557/minnesota-mens-hockey-womens-hockey-womens-basketball-tv-schedule-live-streaming-big-ten-hockey-ncaaGoAUpher2015-03-20T12:59:03-05:002015-03-20T12:59:03-05:00Gophers vs. Buckeyes Preview
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<figcaption>Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Minnesota leads the season series with Ohio State 3-1. The two clubs are poised for a semi-final matchup with big implications for the NCAA Tournament.</p> <div class="likebox-float-right"><iframe allowtransparency="true" style="border:none; overflow:hidden;" scrolling="no" src="//www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthedailygopher&width=560&height=210&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&show_border=false&stream=false&header=false" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
<p>For the Minnesota Golden Gophers, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a> Starts today in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a> semifinals. All other games played today being equal, this game can propel Minnesota into the top 10 of the pairwise, or drop them to 15th and in serious danger of missing the NCAA Tournament. Of course, those other games will affect the outcome, but the stakes couldn't be much higher for the Gophers.</p>
<p>For the Ohio State Buckeyes, survivalist hockey started yesterday, where they got off to a good by beating Penn State 3-1. The difference in that game was the Buckeyes' ability to finish scoring chances.</p>
<p>Ohio State is one of only a few teams the country with players that can meet or exceed the open ice skating ability of Minnesota. They used that speed to open up the scoring against Penn State yesterday, and it's their best asset as a team.</p>
<p>The KRACH ratings say that Minnesota should win the game around 70% of the time, just about right in line with their 3-1 record against the Buckeyes this season.</p>
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<p>Intra-conference stats give us a decent idea of how these teams have performed against common opponents. Minnesota has an offensive advantage, scoring better than four goals per game. Ohio State scores 2.81. The Buckeyes will try to block shots to even this game up, and they'll hope for a really good game from goaltender Christain Frey, who looked good yesterday.</p>
<p>Minnesota also has the edge on defense, allowing only 2.7 goals per game compared to Ohio State's 3.43. Minnesota will lean on <span>Adam Wilcox</span> to shut down the Buckeyes' dangerous transition offense, which leverages their dangerous foot speed into scoring chances.</p>
<p>A huge key to this game for Ohio State is staying out of the penalty box. They have the worst power play and penalty kill in the Big Ten, and it's really not close. If the game is officiated lightly, like the first game yesterday, the Buckeyes will be the beneficiary. Minnesota's power play units are both deadly. If the game is officiated more like the evening game, Minnesota will likely have the advantage.</p>
<p>This is a huge game for Minnesota. A win today doesn't guarantee an NCAA berth, but it eliminates half of the bad scenarios from possibility.</p>
<p>It's time to get fired up! Go Gophers!</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Dark516Knight" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @Dark516Knight</a>
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https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/3/20/8266007/big-ten-hockey-tournament-2015-minnesota-golden-gophers-ohio-state-buckeyes-preview-statsDarkKnight52015-03-20T09:22:04-05:002015-03-20T09:22:04-05:00Pairwise Scenarios Narrowing, Gophers IN in 74%<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.uscho.com/rankings/pwp-results/">Pairwise Scenarios Narrowing, Gophers IN in&nbsp;74%</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>After yesterdays results in the Big Ten Tournament eliminated the possibility of either Wisconsin or Penn State winning the conference's auto-berth into the NCAA Tournament field, Minnesota is more likely to make the tournament.</p>
<br /><p>The percentage of scenarios where the Gophers are in moved from 69.85% to 74.46%. While that's somewhat comforting, the change would have been basically the same had both Penn State and Wisconsin both won instead of Ohio State and Michigan. #Stats</p>
<br /><p>The tournament picture will be narrowed much further today, because roughly half of the remaining scenarios will be eliminated form possibility by day's end.</p>
<br /><p><strong><em>Edit:</em></strong>InsertName correctly pointed out that each game result will halve the remaining possible scenarios. So, right now there are over 9,000 viable scenarios (according to what people have created at USCHO.com). By the end of the day, that will be cut down to 192. Thanks InsertName! Make sure to check out his work at <a href="http://www.offtackleempire.com/" target="new">Off Tackle Empire</a>.</p></p></div>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/3/20/8264339/pairwise-scenarios-narrowing-gophers-in-in-74DarkKnight5