After suffering a devestating 3-2 heartbreaker at the hands of No. 3 Wisconsin in a Target Center showdown, the Minnesota men’s hockey team has sealed its playoff seeding fate.

Combined with a Colorado College 2-1 victory over No. 1 Denver, the Gophers have solidified their position as the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s No. 7 seed. The Tigers victory pushed them to 27 points, three points ahead of Minnesota; who remain at 24 points. Both teams have one game remaining. The Gophers are five points ahead of Minnesota State-Mankato, who are fighting with Alaska-Anchorage for the No. 8 spot.

As for who Don Lucia’s squad will face in the first round, that becomes a more tricky question. As the No. 7 team, Minnesota will travel and face the No. 4 team. Right now, Minnesota-Duluth is tied with North Dakota for the No. 4 spot; each with 31 points. The Bulldogs play a late game tonight against Alaska-Anchorage, and have a chance with at least a tie to take the temporary hold on the No. 4 spot.

In the event of a tie between Minnesota-Duluth and North Dakota for the No. 4 seed, North Dakota would win the tiebreaker as they are 3-1 this year against the Bulldogs.

In short, stay tuned…