MSU Men's Hockey Gameday
Issue date: 11/29/07
Section: Mens Sports
Who
Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (6-4-2, 5-4-1 WCHA) at Minnesota State Mavericks (3-6-1, 1-6-1 WCHA)
When
Friday - 7:37 p.m., Saturday - 7:07 p.m.
Where
Alltel Center - Mankato
Preview
Minnesota State returns a weekend off and will host No. 12 Minnesota-Duluth this weekend - its first full home series this season.
Forwards
Joel Hanson has no goals and no assists this season and is the key to the Mavericks improving their goal scoring drought. Hanson was counted on to provide the tough goals inside the hash marks, but has not had success yet. But it's not for a lack of effort. Younger players have been impressed with how Hanson - a senior captain - has handled himself. "You don't see him out there breaking his stick," said freshman Rylan Galiardi. Goals have traditionally come in bunches for Hanson, and once he gets going, it's likely the Maverick offense will as well.
Defense
If the combination of Kurt Davis and Brian Kilburg plays like it did at Denver for the rest of the season, MSU will be in fine shape. Davis' role is as the offensive playmaker. Kilburg can be a physical force when he sets his mind to it. Head coach Troy Jutting said R.J. Linder has stepped up his role as a leader since being benched Saturday at Denver. His leadership is important to a group that rotates through three freshmen. Channing Boe is the likely odd-man out for Friday's contest.
In Net
While Jutting was noncommittal to a starting goaltender for either game this weekend, he did say it was likely that Mike Zacharias would be in net for Friday's game. If he plays well, Jutting will probably allow him to start again Saturday. Dan Tormey started Saturday at Denver after Zacharias suffered a leg injury the night before. But according to the head coach, Zacharias is healthy once again.
Scouting the Bulldogs
UMD is where Minnesota State hopes to be next season - among the WCHA's best teams and ranked in the top-15. Like MSU's large sophomore class, the Bulldogs have a massive junior class that has come into its own. UMD's defensemen and goaltender are all aggressive offensively, and the Mavericks will have opportunities to capitalize.