The Wisconsin men’s hockey team begins its tenure as the No. 2 team in the nation by traveling to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center for a series with WCHA-leading Minnesota-Duluth.

The Badgers (14-6-4, 10-5-3 WCHA) face a stiff test in the Bulldogs (16-9-1, 12-5-1), who sit atop the conference standings with 25 points. Looking up at UMD is tied-for-fourth place UW, who has 23 points. Five teams are separated by just two points entering the weekend, making this a crucial showdown in the race for the McNaughton Cup.

Duluth’s NHL-sized rink is conducive to offense - as proven by UMD forwards Jack Connolly, Justin Fontaine and Rob Bordson, who are the WCHA leaders in points. Michael Davies, Derek Stepan and Brendan Smith are Nos. 5-7 in conference scoring, meaning there is certainly potential for this series to become a shootout.

On a side note, last time UW visited the DECC, the scores were 3-1 and 0-0, so anything is possible.

Join Herald sports editors Adam Holt and Max Henson as they cover the action live from the DECC in Duluth, Minn.

Scroll down for live blog.