2008 Woodie Awards
MSU Women's Hockey Gameday
by Josh Berhow
Issue date: 1/24/08
Section: Womens Sports
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PREVIEW: The Mavericks will travel to Minneapolis for a series with the Golden Gophers this weekend, after being off last weekend. The Mavericks enter the series on a five-game losing streak, the Gophers haven't lost in their last 13 contests (two ties).
FORWARDS: Even though MSU scored just three goals over the weekend, Maggie Fisher, Kristina Bunker and Nina Tikkinen did a good job of trying to generate some offense with good pressure. For just about the first time all season, the Mavericks should be healthy. Ashley Young will return to the lineup this weekend after playing in only four games (0-3--3) to start the year. It's not yet clear what line Young will play on, although she will most likely see time with her longtime linemate Fisher. Head coach Jeff Vizenor said Young probably won't see time on the special-teams units yet, though. Vizenor said the focus in practice this week has been on scoring goals, something MSU has struggled with lately. The power-play unit will remain the same this weekend, even though MSU is 0 for its last 21 chances. Lindsay Macy will be a game-time decision with a recent sickness.
DEFENSE: The biggest question mark for MSU entering the game will be its penalty-kill unit. The Mavericks have had good success thus far killing off penalties, but have a reason to worry since they lead the WCHA in penalty minutes, while the Gophers lead the WCHA in power-play proficiency (21.3%).
IN NET: Britni Kehler will be back for the Mavericks after stting out Jan. 12 with an injury. Paige Thunder started in her place and played pretty well in her first career WCHA start, letting in four goals and making 26 saves against the top scoring team in the league. Kehler will start Friday for the Mavericks.
UP NEXT FOR MSU: The Mavericks play a home-and-home series next weekend against St. Cloud State. Friday will be in St. Cloud and Saturday will be in Mankato.
Josh Berhow is the Reporter assistant sports editor
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