Nov. 6, 2009

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin men's hockey (3-2-1, 1-2-1 WCHA) will play its second of three consecutive home series this weekend versus border-rival Minnesota (2-3-1, 2-3-1 WCHA). The Badgers are coming off an impressive sweep of New Hampshire last weekend, a series in which the Badgers outscored UNH 10-2.

The Badgers' offensive attack was in full swing last weekend against New Hampshire, as the men saw seven different players score a goal. Freshman John Ramage and sophomores Derek Stepan and Jordy Murray all contributed two goals for UW.

The Badgers have been impressive on Friday nights, outshooting their opponents by a 132-58 margin holding a 2-1-0. Wisconsin hopes to continue that trend against the Gophers tonight at the Kohl Center.

In arguably one of the most heated college rivalries in the nation, fans should expect a series full of intense, physical, fast-paced hockey. Last season, the Badgers ended the season with a 2-1-1 record against the Gophers, with neither team winning a game on its home ice. The last time the Badgers won at home against Minnesota was two seasons ago. The game took place on Friday, Jan. 25, and UW won by a score of 3-1.

This will be the Badgers' third WCHA opponent in four weeks, and they look to out themselves in title-contention position as the season progresses. As for the Gophers, it is their fourth conference opponent in as many weeks.

The Badgers will depend on their stellar goaltending play from Brett Bennett and Scott Gudmandson in the series. Over the past four games, they are giving up 1.00 goals per game. They will face a challenge, as the Gophers have scored nine goals over their last two contests.

All three of the current WCHA Players of the Week will be on the ice at the Kohl Center this weekend as junior defenseman Brendan Smith is the reigning defensive player of the week and freshman defenseman John Ramage is the current league rookie of the week. Minnesota's Tony Lucia boasts the offensive player of the week tag.

Tickets are still available for both games this weekend.

To catch the action on television, Friday's game is live on TVW in the Madison area, Charter Extra 87 and Time Warner Sports. The game will also air live on FSN Minnesota and Fox College Sports. A tape-delayed broadcast on Wisconsin Public Television airs at 11 p.m. and the next day at 6 p.m. on The Wisconsin Channel.

Saturday's game is live on WISC-TV in the Madison area, Charter Extra 87 and Time Warner Sports. The game will also air live on FSN Minnesota and Fox College Sports. A tape-delayed broadcast on Wisconsin Public Television airs at 11 p.m. and the next day at 6 p.m. on The Wisconsin Channel.

Both of this weekend's games against Minnesota will be available as a video stream at UWBadgers.com, but only for those living outside of Wisconsin.  An audio stream of both games is available for anyone. A fee is charged for both services.

Brian Posick and Mike Cerniglia call the action for the Wisconsin Radio Network, including WIBA-AM 1310 in Madison. Check your local listings for station information in your area.

You will also be able to follow along with live stats at UWBadgers.com's Gametracker or at the live blog for the contests.
Puck drop, for both Friday's and Saturday's contests is 7 p.m. at the Kohl Center.