Gophers trophy hopes once again thwarted by a team wearing blue and yellow

On Saturday night, the Gophers (22-9-5) hosted Michigan (20-13-3) in front of a packed 3M Arena at Mariucci. The Gophers started out the game with some pep in their step, but that was nullified very quickly after Kienan Draper put one past Justen Close. The Gophers got a break after Luca Fantilli's 2-0 goal was overturned for offsides, but that didn't seem to help as the Gophers just couldn't muster any energy. Michigan added to their lead with 1:24 left in the 2nd after a great pass from Marshall Warren to Gavin Brindley, who beat Close top left. For the Gophers, the 2nd period might have been the worst of the season, outshot 17-5. The new line of Snuggerud, Moore, and Nelson was disbanded after 2 periods. The Gophers looked a little better in the 3rd but just couldn't get one past Jake Barczewski until Jimmy Snuggerud put one past him with 1:19 left in regulation to ruin the shutout, but it was too little too late. Once again, Michigan comes to Mariucci in March and beats the Gophers in front of a big crowd. As for Michigan, they turn their heads towards Michigan State as the two Michigan schools will meet for the Big Ten Tournament title next Saturday in East Lansing. For the Gophers, they await Selection Sunday. The Gophers look like they will be the 2nd seed in the Providence region with Boston College, and will likely play either CC, Western Michigan, or Nebraska-Omaha. While they once again failed to win the Big Ten Tournament, the eyes have been set on St. Paul since the heartbreak in Tampa last April. We know the drill; if the Gophers can show up, there's a good chance we see them playing at the X in April."