From freshmen to seniors, Minnesota’s a program moving in one direction

PHILADELPHIA — Four years separate Minnesota senior captain Nate Condon, born in 1990, and sophomore defenseman Brady Skjei, born in 1994, but that age difference may be a cultural gap that cannot be bridged. “I always give Brady Skjei a hard time,” said Condon. “He’s my roommate on the road and he listens to One … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten Tournament: March 20-22, 2014

And we do come down to it. Drew Claussen, that upstart, edged ahead of me admirably in the final weekend of regular-season play. Last week Drew: 4-2-0 (.667) Paula: 2-4-0 (.333) That wrong-way split in East Lansing hurts my heart. Season Drew: 85-43-14 (.679) Paula: 86-41-16 (.657) This week This inaugural Big Ten Tournament will … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten Tournament: March 20-22, 2014

And we do come down to it. Drew Claussen, that upstart, edged ahead of me admirably in the final weekend of regular-season play. Last week Drew: 4-2-0 (.667) Paula: 2-4-0 (.333) That wrong-way split in East Lansing hurts my heart. Season Drew: 85-43-14 (.679) Paula: 86-41-16 (.657) This week This inaugural Big Ten Tournament will … Read more

Rumpel stops 29 as Wisconsin holds off Michigan State rally

EAST LANSING, Mich. — When a game begins and ends the way this 4-3 Wisconsin win over Michigan State did, it’s difficult to point to any one factor to define its outcome. Instead, it may be best to quote the winning coach, Mike Eaves. “It was an interesting night for sure,” said Eaves A four-goal … Read more

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Pickin’ the Big Ten: March 14-15, 2014

It’s the final weekend of regular-season play. Here’s how Drew Claussen and I have done with our picks so far. Last week Drew: 3-2-1 (.583) Paula: 4-1-1 (.750) Season Drew: 81-41-14 (.647) Paula: 84-37-16 (.672) This week All series this weekend are Friday-Saturday. Minnesota at Michigan Drew: Minnesota needs two points to put a bow … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: March 14-15, 2014

It’s the final weekend of regular-season play. Here’s how Drew Claussen and I have done with our picks so far. Last week Drew: 3-2-1 (.583) Paula: 4-1-1 (.750) Season Drew: 81-41-14 (.647) Paula: 84-37-16 (.672) This week All series this weekend are Friday-Saturday. Minnesota at Michigan Drew: Minnesota needs two points to put a bow … Read more

A tale of three comebacks and three different fates

In the penultimate weekend of regular-season Big Ten play, we had more evidence that the upcoming Big Ten tournament has the potential for a surprise or two. 1. Exhibit A: Michigan State. After losing 7-1 to No. 12 Michigan in Ann Arbor Friday night, Michigan State came from behind to defeat the Wolverines 4-3 at … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: March 7-8, 2014

Here’s how Drew Claussen and I are doing with two weeks to go. Last week Drew: 2-1-1 (.625) Paula: 2-1-1 (.625) Season Drew: 78-39-13 (.650) Paula: 80-36-15 (.668) This week In the final two weeks of Big Ten conference play, there are three Friday-Saturday series with each team playing. Michigan State vs. Michigan Drew: Like … Read more

Pickin’ the Big Ten: March 7-8, 2014

Here’s how Drew Claussen and I are doing with two weeks to go. Last week Drew: 2-1-1 (.625) Paula: 2-1-1 (.625) Season Drew: 78-39-13 (.650) Paula: 80-36-15 (.668) This week In the final two weeks of Big Ten conference play, there are three Friday-Saturday series with each team playing. Michigan State vs. Michigan Drew: Like … Read more