The Minnesota men's hockey team suffered a 3-1 defeat against No. 2 Michigan State in a Big Ten matchup, marking their sixth consecutive loss. LJ Mooney scored for the Gophers in the third period, but Minnesota struggled despite opportunities to close the gap. The Spartans showcased their dominant defense, allowing only one goal throughout the game. This loss deepens Minnesota's challenges as they've faced top-10 teams most recently, further complicating their season as they hold a 4-9 Big Ten record.

By the Numbers
  • Gophers have now lost six straight games, five against top-10 opponents.
  • Mooney's goal was his fifth this season and marked his first in 11 games.
  • Di Pasquo faced over 40 shots for the third consecutive game.
Yes, But

Even with chances created, Minnesota has struggled to convert, having allowed the first goal in six of their last seven games. Coach Motzko noted their performance was solid but emphasized the challenge of chasing the game after falling behind.

State of Play
  • Minnesota remains near the bottom of the Big Ten standings with only 14 points.
  • The Gophers have a goal deficit early in games, creating significant pressure to recover.
What's Next

The Gophers will seek to turn their fortunes around in a rematch against Michigan State. They face the Spartans again on January 24 at 5 p.m. CT, aiming to stop their losing streak.

Bottom Line

For Minnesota to turn the season around, they must capitalize on scoring opportunities early and improve consistency against top-ranked opponents. A solid performance in the upcoming game is crucial for restoring confidence and positioning in the Big Ten standings.