While I want the Sioux to win every game they play I don’t think I am disappointed with a tie last night, really this game could have gone south the way it started.
I read where people were saying all UND could get against the Badgers was a tie. Let’s give Wisconsin some respect because Wisconsin is a very good veteran hockey team that is a little more experienced than UND. Wisconsin has nine juniors and seven seniors on their roster while the Sioux have five juniors and three seniors.
Currently on defense the Fighting Sioux have two freshman, two sophomores and two juniors. On the other side of the ice tonight the Wisconsin Badgers three juniors, one sophomores and two freshman, three of these defenseman are first round draft choices and two of them are second round draft choices. That is a pretty solid defensive corps.
With the tie UND is still ranked 7th in the Pair Wise Ranking so the Fighting Sioux are sitting in good position. [PWR] Last year at this time UND wasn't even in the top 20.
Points of interest
Here is one of these stats that stick out when you look at it.
According to Andy Baggot The Badgers failed to win an overtime game for the 19th consecutive time, but the record will show they were fortunate to emerge with a 3-3 standoff with North Dakota in their WCHA series opener at Ralph Engelstad Arena. UW is 0-6-13 in overtime affairs since the final outing of 2006-07. That's when it knocked off St. Cloud State 4-3 in the consolation game of the WCHA Final Five.[Madison.com]
Don't dwell on this freshman/senior crap. First of all, these guys have been playing hockey practically all their lives and most of the freshmen in the WCHA and other division one programs are at least 20 years old. In fact, I'd love to see a game between any WCHA powerhouse and the likes of Calgary Hitmen or Brandon Wheat Kings, the age of whose players is strictly regulated.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone is dwelling on it, I think it's funny how some have been badmouthing Wisconsin. The age thing does matter, it will matter less in Feb, Mar and April.
ReplyDeleteMy point is that Wisconsin deserves some credit and has had the Fighting Sioux's number the last few years.
ReplyDeleteI agree goon. Wisco is a good hockey team, with a lot of talent. Our younger guys are playing at a pretty high level so I don't feel the age thing matters so much. But from a talent perspective I think Wisco is as good as anyone. They will be there at the end for sure.
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