Minnesota is tied for 11th in the 18-team conference entering Saturday’s game vs. Penn State. The top 15 teams make it, and the top nine get a first-round bye.

The Gophers earned an L.A. sweep after comeback wins at USC and UCLA in the past week. Minnesota is 6-9 in the Big Ten after starting league play with a 6-game losing streak. The bottom 3 teams in the Big Ten don't qualify for the league tournament.

Brody Lamb scored twice and the fifth-ranked Gophers men's hockey team used a strong third-period push to power its way to a 4-1 victory over No. 7 Ohio State Friday night at 3M Arena at Mariucci. The win snaps a two-game winless streak.

A loose puck, ultimately stopped by Ohio State goaltender Logan Terness, leads to a pileup at the net in the second period. (Renée Jones Schneider/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Brody Lamb matched a career high with three points and the No. 5/4 Minnesota men's hockey team put together a complete effort on home ice, winning 4-1 over No. 7/6 Ohio State from 3M Arena at Mariucci Friday night.