Wisconsin men’s hockey vs. Minnesota Big Ten Tournament: how to watch, game preview and open thread

The top two teams in the Big Ten conference regular season standings are the last two teams standing in the Big Ten tournament. They also happen to be ancient blood-rivals that can’t stand each other. PRETTY GREAT WAY TO END THE TOURNAMENT IN OUR OPINION! The top-seeded Wisconsin Badgers (20-8-1 overall) and the second seeded Minnesota Golden Gophers (22-6-0 overall) will do battle to be named tournament champions.

Both teams needed overtime in their semifinal matchup, with the Badgers beating Penn State 4-3 and the Gophers rallying back to beat Michigan 3-2. In fact, the Gophers needed overtime to beat Michigan State in the opening round of the tournament as well so one could reasonably expect this game to see some free hockey as well.

The Badgers beat the Gophers in three of four matchups this season, splitting the series in Madison and sweeping the Gophers in Minneapolis. UW has outscored UM 18-8 in those four games, including an 8-1 mollywhopping the last time the two teams faced off.

How to watch/listen

TV: BTN, 7:00 p.m., CST

Streaming: FOX Sports Go

Radio/Satellite: 1310 AM in Madison; 1130 KTLK-AM/103.5 FM for those of us in the Twin Cities

Live stats: Here!

Arena: Compton Family Ice Arena, Notre Dame, Ind.

Fun facts (courtesy of the media guides)

• The championship game will mark the first-ever meeting between the Gophers and the Badgers in the Big Ten tournament.
• Wisconsin has won the Big Ten tournament once, in 2014.
• The Gophers improved to 9-7-0 all-time in the Big Ten tournament.
• Not much more needs to be said tbqh. Border Battle for a banner. Let’s do this!