The Notre Dame Fighting Irish hockey team is set to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in crucial home games at Compton Family Ice Arena on February 13 and 14. The series marks the 86th and 87th meetings between the two teams, with Notre Dame looking to recover from two earlier losses this season. The Irish currently hold a 30-49-6 all-time record against Minnesota. Junior forward Evan Werner is coming off a standout performance with five points against Wisconsin, and Notre Dame's powerplay ranks fifth nationally, adding to their offensive momentum heading into the weekend.

By the Numbers
  • Notre Dame trails in the all-time series against Minnesota with a record of 30-49-6.
  • Junior Evan Werner leads the Irish with 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists) this season.
  • Notre Dame’s powerplay success rate is 28.6%, ranking fifth in the nation.
  • The Irish converted 40% of their powerplay opportunities during the series against Wisconsin.
Yes, But

Despite their recent success, Notre Dame needs to address its inconsistent defense, which has cost them crucial games this season. Additionally, the team's struggles at home against Minnesota remain a concern as they attempt to turn the tide in their favor.

State of Play
  • Notre Dame is returning home after a competitive series against the Wisconsin Badgers.
  • The Irish seek to improve their all-time home record against Minnesota, currently standing at 10-16-6.
  • Key players like Evan Werner and Michael Mastrodomenico are in form, boosting team morale.
What's Next

A victory this weekend could provide momentum for Notre Dame heading into their final stretch of the season, impacting playoff positioning. The Irish need to focus on solidifying their defense while maintaining offensive production to achieve success in these critical matchups.

Bottom Line

Notre Dame’s performance against Minnesota not only influences their season standings but also offers an opportunity to reclaim home ice advantage in a historic rivalry. The team must leverage their powerplay effectiveness and the form of their leading players to convert this chance into wins.