Goon goes Five Hole...

Here is an article I wrote for Sean Leahy's Going Five Hole

Games to watch this weekend.

Series one: 2-0-0 Minnesota Golden Gophers travel to the Madison to play the 0-4-0 Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers are reeling after losing a couple of high scoring games to the Denver Pioneers 6-5 and 7-4. Minnesota, on the other hand, opened the season with a home and home series against the SCSU Huskies. These games were much closer; both games ended up being one goal games 3-2 and 2-1. Minnesota is lead in net by Alex Kangas 2-0-0 with a goals against average of 1.50 and a .942 save percentage. Wisconsin on the other hand has used two goalies with little success; sophomore Scott Gudmandson has a record of 0-2-0 with a goals against average of 6.03 and a save percentage of .824. Senior goalie Shane Connelly has been equally unimpressive with a record of 0-2-0 goals against average 5.59 and save percentage of .874.

Wisconsin, normally known for its defensive systems, has given up 23 goals in the first 4 games. This in itself is puzzling since the Badgers have three defenseman that were taken in the first round of the NHL draft; Jake Gardiner 2008, Brendan Smith and Ryan McDonagh 2007 and Jamie McBain who was taken in the second round of the 2006 NHL draft. This should not be happening to a defensive corp. that is this talented.

Minnesota on Defense has two impressive new comers in Aaron Ness and Sam Lofquist who will make major contributions for the Gophers this season. Also, much-heralded freshman forward Jordan Schroeder was one of the best players on the ice for the Gophers this past weekend.

Prediction: Minnesota and Wisconsin split this weekend’s series records mean nothing during the border battle week.