Last year the Dogs ventured down to South Bend where they found a 3-1 win on Thursday (yes, Thursday) night, but the Irish found some luck on Friday night, downing UMD 4-1.  But let's take it back just one year before that where tUMD beat the little leprechauns 4-3 to advance in the Frozen Four :D

Photo: UMD Athletics

“I spent 12 years there and have a degree from the institution on my wall, but I’d really prefer they go home without any wins,” Berlo told Rick Weegman of the Duluth News Tribune.

Apples and Oranges?


Wait, Who's Playing?

Coming into Duluth with their best start under coach Jeff Jackson, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are riding a 4-0-0 record, earning every little bit of it along the way.

The Fighting Irish started their successful season off by sweeping Western Michigan 4-0 and 3-0.  Steven Summerhays, Irish netminder, stopped 42 shots in that series, while the Notre Dame offense peppered Western Michigan's talented Frank Slubowski with 71 shots.  Last weekend, the Irish swept Michigan Tech, but the games were a little bit closer (3-2 & 7-3).

Notre Dame's offense is on fire.  Leading the team in scoring with three goals and three assists is freshman Vince Hinostroza.  Hinostroza is a product of the USHL where he finished last season registering 60 points in 46 games.  Watch out for T.J. Tynan, Jeff Costello and Mario Lucia, all who have an incredible ability to bury pucks as well.

Scoring Leaders:

	Pos.	(GP) G-A-Pts.	Pts/G
Vince Hinostroza	F	(4)  3-3-6	1.5
Sam Herr	F	(4)  3-1-4	1
T.J. Tynan	F	(4)  1-3-4	1
Shayne Taker	D	(4)  1-4-5	1.25
Robbie Russo	D	(4)  2-2-4	1
	Pos.	(GP) GAA/SV%	Mins.
Steven Summerhays	G	(4) 1.25/.946	239

Coming out of Colorado College after playing a fantastic last game, the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs will look to the continue the success into Friday night at Amsoil Arena.

Offensively, the Bulldogs seem to have found the right combinations. Scoring is coming from not just the top line, but all lines.  The sophomores who had such a great season last year look to be picking it up where they left off, which is complementing the freshmen scoring as well.  The only issue the Bulldogs currently have is the powerplay.

Defensive was a large question mark for UMD entering the season, but has proven to be less concerning as the season has continued.

Scoring Leaders:

	Pos.	(GP) G-A-Pts.	Pts/G
Joe Basaraba	F	(4)  1-2-3	0.75
Justin Crandall	F	(4)  3-0-3	0.75
Alex Iafallo	F	(4)  2-1-3	0.75
Andy Welinski	D	(4)  0-1-1	0.25
Luke McManus	D	(4)  0-1-1	0.25
	Pos.	(GP) GAA/SV%	Mins.
Matt McNeely	G	(3) 1.64/.923	183
Aaron Crandall	G	(1) 1.00/.933	60

The Verdict?

This'll be a fun series.  I promise.  There is no doubt that Notre Dame will be riding a wave of momentum into Duluth, but keep in mind they most likely didn't take into account the "Lake Effect".  Look for a fast-paced series, one the Bulldogs definitely have the capability to keep up in.  I believe there are a few remaining tickets, so your Friday night has official been planned!

See you at the rink!

Pre-Weekend Lynx

SB Nation Power Rankings - SBN College Hockey Rankings
NCHC Weekend Preview - SBN NCHC Weekend Preview