How do the Gophers get to St Paul?

With another regular season in the books, it's time for the Gophers to "Skate for six." While it was, for the most part, a good season, the Gopher faithful are understandably scattered with some skepticism toward the maroon and gold heading into the NCAA tournament. The Gophers enter Selection Sunday with a record of (22-10-5), following another ugly March loss to Michigan who seem to be labeling Mariucci in March as “Yost West”. But anyone who follows the Gophers know that a Big Ten tournament title wasn't the goal for the season. When it comes to where the Gophers will go and who they will play? Its tough to tell. The Gophers destination seems to depend heavily on what happens in next week's Tournament finals. Originally I had the Gophers facing off against Western Michigan but after their loss to a desperate St Cloud team the Broncos are likely on the bubble for a 4 seed. If I had it my way and had to put money on it I would say they are heading to Sioux Falls in a match up with the Omaha Mavericks. Seed wise, its nearly impossible for the Gophers to secure a 1 seed. However, a 2 seed appears to be a likely lock for them. 

While there's no denying that the Gophers face a challenging road ahead as they seek to exorcise some demons, there are several key factors that need to align for them to achieve their goal of winning it all.

1. Show up

I would argue that many of the Gophers' losses and ties stem from their failure to generate momentum and show up rather than simply being outskilled by superior teams. This team will heavily rely on players like Rhett Pitlick and Jimmy Snuggerud. Regarding Snuggerud, as I tweeted about a few days ago, I argued that he hasn't been showing up consistently. However, one rebuttal that caught my eye is that we might be seeing a frustrated Snuggerud. I noticed this in game one against Penn State when he scored off a fantastic pass from Jaxon Nelson, and I could see him say "F****** Finally" when he celebrated with his teammates. The entire team will need to show up in order for the Gophers to come out of any region.

1. March breakout.

Over the last few tournaments we have seen players breakout and play their best hockey, Luke Mittelstadt last April, Ben Meyers and Matthew Knies in 2022. I expect one player to have a breakout tournament. Here is who I am keeping an eye out for

• Jaxon Nelson

Nelson who is on a tear as of late will look to extend that into the postseason, his size and tenacity is an eye appeal for why I put the super senior on this list

• Jimmy Snuggerud 

Jimmy needs to get something going, after being figured out by many of the Big Ten teams, he will likely be seeing an NCHC and Hockey East opponent, last time he met with an NCHC team he had a hattrick.

• Rhett Pitlick

Rhett has channeled his game this year and has impressed many. There is no doubt that Rhett is skilled and can score, the team just can't afford any stupid penalties from him. He has a lot of potential to be a game changer this March.

• Oliver Moore

Moore, who has had a solid Freshman season, is a fast and creative player who plays two way hockey. This is his moment to shine, don't be surprised to say Moore March. I would argue that Moore’s two way ability will be very important this March as he hasn't quite channeled himself as a prime goal scorer.

1. Special Teams

The special teams, particularly the power play, have encountered difficulties in finding their rhythm at times this year. Although we've witnessed glimpses of excellence from the penalty kill, such as successfully defending against a 5 on 3 advantage in games against Penn State, but thats Penn State. Currently, the Gophers' penalty kill ranks tied for 33rd with Bowling Green, operating at 80%. On the power play front, the Gophers sit 13th in the nation with a success rate of 23%. While 13th place isn't disappointing, there's been a noticeable lack of the fluidity we witnessed last year. Jimmy Snuggerud leads the Gophers with 6 power play goals, highlighting some individual successes within the team's power play efforts. Cashing in on power play opportunities will be crucial for the Gophers this Spring.

1. Justen Close

One of the most compelling narratives in college hockey is the journey of Justen Close. What better way to conclude his story than with a National Title? Close currently ranks 6th in the nation with a .923 save percentage, despite experiencing some ups and downs throughout the year, including being pulled twice. While Close has performed admirably in March over the past two seasons, he has faced challenges in April games. The Gophers will undoubtedly rely on Close for key saves and complete performances, especially considering the occasional struggles of the defense this year, although it appears they have found its groove as of late.

The Gophers have displayed flashes of their potential to play at a top 5 level this season. However, they will need to combine their skill with a strong will, characterized by hard work on pucks, hustle, and battling. The lack of these qualities in the semifinal game against Michigan has understandably raised some skepticism among the Gopher faithful. But if the Gophers can channel their game and show up, I like their odds.