Scouting No. 15 Minnesota-Duluth

Three keys to this weekend's series:

1. Duluth is not a come-from-behind team. UMD is 1-45-2 the last 48 games it has trailed heading into the final period of play. The lone win came at the expense of Michigan Tech on Jan. 6, 2007 (5-3 at the DECC). Also, UMD has scored first in four of its six games, outscoring its opponent 6-1 in the opening period of play.
What this means for the Tigers: Start must be completely opposite of last Friday's first period against North Dakota (3 goals allowed in 10:30). There's a chance Duluth could be rusty after a bye week. If so, the Tigers need to capitalize.

2. Protect home ice. CC opened the season with a sweep against Minnesota and will kick off a five-game home-stand against Duluth, which has compiled a 4-1-1 record in its last three series at World Arena. Starting with the Nov. 24 game at Denver, the second of the home-and-home series, the Tigers won't have a home game until Jan. 11 against Anchorage.
What this means for the Tigers: CC needs to dominate the next five games, starting with Duluth, because four back-to-back road trips will make it tough to pick up wins.

3. Score at least two even-strength goals per night. Duluth has allowed only three power-play goals this season and its penalty kill is ranked second in the the WCHA. In the Bulldogs' only loss this season, Denver scored four even-strength goals in the 5-1 win.
What this means for the Tigers: This series will be the Bulldogs’ first on an Olympic-sized ice sheet this season. CC must use its speed and the space to wear down Duluth and to create odd-man rushes for quality scoring opportunities. While special teams play is key, the Tigers can't expect to win consistently without five-on-five scoring.

View CC's season stats here.
View Duluth's season stats here.