Minnesota, Michigan Face off for First Place in Big Ten

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — There's a big series in Big Ten hockey this week. Minnesota hosts Michigan for control of the conference race.

The Gophers and Wolverines play a rare Thursday-Friday series, with both games at Mariucci Arena. The two teams split their series at Michigan earlier this season, and Minnesota's 3-2 win on Dec. 12 was the last regulation loss for the Wolverines.

The Gophers are in first place with 33 points at 11-3. The Wolverines are in second with 32 points at 9-2-3-2.

Minnesota has won the first two Big Ten regular-season titles. The Gophers also won the conference tournament last year. With a 16-13 overall record, they will likely need to win the Big Ten tournament again to make the NCAA tournament.

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