Tonight may very well be the season-defining moment for the 2009-10 men’s hockey team. Heading into the weekend looking for a sweep, the Gophers will now try to salvage yet another weekend with a split.

Yesterday’s game started with Minnesota taking the 1-0 lead, but after getting outshot 2:1 by the Mavericks, Mankato finally broke through, scoring the equalizer on a power play. The Mavericks eventually scored two more, including an empty-netter en route to the 3-1 win.

After the game Gophers head coach Don Lucia was clearly angry, frustrated, upset and any other adjective you can use for how his team performed. They simply showed no heart against a team they should have beaten.

Lucia has responded, drastically altering the lineup for tonight’s game.

Minnesota Offensive First Line:

Left Wing-Tony Lucia

Center-Jordan Schroeder

Right Wing-Jake Hansen

Notes: The only holdover from last night on the first line is Schroeder. Joining Schroeder on the the wings are senior captain Tony Lucia and Jake Hansen. Hansen scored the Gophers only goal last night.

Minnesota Defensive First Line:

Left-Nick Leddy

Right-David Fischer

Goalie:

Alex Kangas

Notes: Kangas gets the second night start, continuing the platooning situation seen throughout the year. The major difference between this weekend and platoon’s in weekend’s past is Kangas getting the second night start. Last night Patterson started and was extremely effective, stopping a career-high 39 saves in the loss.

Two other notes of notice: Fershman defenseman Seth Helgeson has been benched, getting replaced on the third defensive line by senior Brian Schack. Also, forward Joe Miller has also been benched, replaced by sophomore Nick Larson on the left wing of the third line.

Mavericks Offensive First Line:

Left Wing-Geoff Irwin

Center-Zach Harrison

Right Wing-Tyler Thompson

Mavericks Defensive First Line:

Left Wing-Ben Youds

Right Wing-Tyler Elbrecht

Goalie-Austin Lee