The Sun Devils haven't exactly been wandering in the desert for years, but with a competitive program and a state-of-the-art new rink, a permanent conference affiliation is the next logical focus.
There were long stretches of offensive dominance, and just enough mistakes to cost them as Minnesota lost a late lead, and the game, to snap a four-game winning streak.
Playing in what may be his professional home someday, Gophers rookie Logan Cooley put on a show, while Justen Close made an emphatic return from illness as Minnesota survived a strong challenge from the Sun Devils.
One of the Knies boys from Phoenix will finally play a game in Arizona after the family hosts the team and dozens of others for Thanksgiving dinner, while a future Coyote visits the place he hopes to work someday.
Ranked second in this week's national polls, the Minnesota Gophers' focus as they head into a nonconference series with Arizona State is to enjoy Thanksgiving, get some sun and win a pair of games as their young players continue to emerge.
The Beavers racked up 91 total shots – 40 on goal – in their season opener against Arizona State at the Sanford Center, pelting Sun Devils goalie TJ Semptimphelter all night. But Semptimphelter was up to the task.
