We’re back at Baxter Arena for a rematch series with Minnesota Duluth — and Friday night’s game is on national TV.
UMD is 10-11-4 overall, and 6-7-1 in conference play. The Bulldogs have won 4 of their last 6 games, seeing Miami last weekend. They have collected points in each of their conference series since the first of the year.
Omaha is 12-9-3 overall, and 5-7-2 in conference. Omaha is currently ranked seventh in the NCHC with 15 points. UMD is just above them in sixth place, with 20 points. Omaha picked up 4 of 6 conference points against SCSU last weekend with an overtime win and a tie (shootout win). Omaha is currently 19th in the Pairwise, while UMD is 26th.
The last time the two teams met with in December in Duluth. Omaha lost 4-2 on Friday and won 1-0 on Saturday night (on a Jack Randl overtime goal).
UMD has successfully killed the last 25 penalties they’ve faced, including a 5-minute major against Miami on Saturday night. They are currently ranked 19th in the nation on the penalty kill (.832). Omaha is tied for 43rd place (.771).
The Mavericks need to stay out of the box this weekend. UMD is converting at 28.6% on the power play (tied for third in the nation). Omaha is converting at 16.5% (44th place).
Important note for fans: Friday night’s matchup begins at 7:37 p.m. with the game airing on CBS Sports Network.
Coach Gabinet previewed the matchup at the weekly press conference. “They play a similar structure to St. Cloud. They like to go on the offense in a hurry. They are playing some good hockey as of late. (We) expect another hard fought battle.”
He said it is “always fun for the guys to be on national TV,” and it’s an opportunity to showcase Baxter Arena and the fanbase. He’s looking forward to a good fan turnout for the weekend. “It gives our team a bunch of juice. It can be a difference maker at times.”
Defenseman Nolan Krenzen, a native of the Duluth area, is looking forward to the series. “I’m from there (Duluth). It’s a team I watched growing up,” he said.
Conference points are critical as the season goes on. “The games are very important. We want to focus on us and what we can do,” Krenzen noted.
As a defenseman, Krenzen said he prefers a low-scoring game. “I like those 2-1 games. Or games when we don’t let in six goals.”
He said Duluth is “a hard-working team. They have Ben Steeves on the power play. They have guys who can score,” he noted. “Still, a lot of the focus is on us. We know what to do.”
For Fans Attending the Games in Person:
The west lot outside Baxter, Lot 25, is now open to donors only and parking passes are required to park in that lot. The north lot, Lot 27, offers free parking on a first-come, first-served basis, as is Lot 26 (west of the arena, across the creek). Omaha Athletics is also encouraging fans to park in the garage at Aksarben Village.
Fans should arrive early to avoid crowds, especially at the west entrance. Have digital tickets ready to scan in the Omaha Mavericks app (or add them from your MyMavs account to your phone’s wallet app). If you have questions, stop by the box office at Baxter Arena before the game or call 402-554-MAVS.
The clear bag policy remains in effect at Baxter Arena, and metal detectors are now at all entrances. All concession stands are card only (no cash).
Promotions:
Friday night is “Pro Night.” Fans are encouraged to wear the jersey of their favorite pro team.
Join us for Pro Night, this Friday! 🚨
— Omaha Hockey (@OmahaHKY) January 30, 2024
Wear your favorite pro team gear🏒 and enjoy fun in-game media to highlight past, present, and future #ProMav accomplishments🤘 Hope to see you there!!
(bonus points if you wear any of our current drafted players' teams😉)#OmahaHKY pic.twitter.com/mN70u3rzZd
Blue Line Club members should also note that on Friday night, the BLC will relocate to the club lounge (Buildertrend Breakaway Lounge) temporarily. Present your card at the door to the lounge (or pick yours up from the BLC table just inside the lounge). In addition, BLC pins are now available for pickup.
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