When you live in a world where coach-speak is the official language, you get used to hearing that every game counts the same.

That's why you took notice when you heard what Minnesota coach Don Lucia and University of Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves had to say about this weekend's men's hockey series between the Gophers and Badgers.

Eaves said this "truly" was the biggest game and biggest weekend of the season. Lucia said the urgency for both teams was such that the "rivalry is almost insignificant."

No, the Badgers-Gophers rivalry hasn't diminished in importance. It has changed dramatically, however.

Normally when UW and Minnesota meet, the stakes are off the charts. As two of the WCHA's signature programs, their battles usually determine league titles and No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament.

Not this year. This year they're battling for survival.

Entering Friday night's series opener at the Kohl Center, UW and Minnesota were tied with St. Cloud State for fifth place in the WCHA with 6-8-2 records.

With the top three places out of reach, both programs hope to finish no worse than fifth because that would mean home-ice advantage for the WCHA playoffs and a stronger resume for the NCAA tournament.

I know what you're thinking: UW and Minnesota fighting over fifth place is like Ohio State and Michigan playing football for a spot in the Alamo Bowl.

But that's life in college hockey these days, which is why the Badgers' solid 3-1 victory over the Gophers on Friday was their most important victory of the season.

In many ways, UW and Minnesota are similar teams. Both are young. Both are searching for multiple scoring threats (yes, even Minnesota). Both have power plays prone to extended funks. Both have experienced growing pains on defense — UW with its young defensemen, Minnesota with its uncertainty in goal.

Mostly, both are inconsistent, the tell-tale sign of an inexperienced team.

As unusual as it is to see UW and Minnesota in their current states, however, it's not totally surprising.

The NHL collective bargaining agreement implemented in 2005 is encouraging NHL teams to sign their draftees earlier, which is changing the face of college hockey.

With their rosters impacted by the whims of NHL teams more than ever, even the traditional college powers have become fragile.

No, especially the traditional powers. An injury here, an unexpected defection there and even the best programs can struggle.

Five first-round draft picks have left Minnesota in the last three years, including Kyle Okposo, who departed just last month.

No wonder the Gophers lack their usual cadre of goal-scorers.

UW felt the effects of NHL defections more last season than this season. However, its predominantly freshman-sophomore lineup only recently has shown signs that it is coming of age.

Friday's game was the first of four between UW and Minnesota in the next month that probably will decide both teams' postseason fate.

The game had more emotion than skill, but maturing freshmen Kyle Turris and Ryan McDonagh helped UW strike the first blow.

All that did, however, was turn tonight's game into the most important game of the season.

Contact Tom Oates at toates@madison.com or 608-252-6172.