College Hockey Fans Have Options When It Comes to Streaming. Are the Prices Reasonable?

It's almost hockey season, and college hockey fans will be looking for streaming and TV options to watch their favorite team. College Hockey Fans Have Options When it Comes to Streaming. Are the Prices reasonable? I believe they are. 

Earlier today, Dan Jacobson posted this on X: Updated NCAA Hockey streaming costs now that CCHA announced their pricing and B1G+ removed sports pass.

Updated NCAA Hockey streaming costs now that CCHA announced their pricing and B1G+ removed sports pass pic.twitter.com/YrmSKA1jUd

— Dan Jacobsen (@DanJacobsen) August 27, 2024

Reading his tweet closer, a few things stood out. Yes, NCHC fans will pay $116.95 for a season of NCHC.TV. The Big Ten Hockey Conference charges about the same, $120.00 a season. You can grumble all you want, but that's what you'll pay for a season to watch your favorite hockey team. Yes, some schools have better webcasts than other schools. Some fans have cheaper options for watching their favorite hockey team. That's life. 

If you're an NCHC fan, are you spending the $120 to watch the B1G Hockey teams? In many cases, not. Many of us only have a little free time to follow both leagues. Even if you decide to purchase both platforms, would you classify $120 as expensive? It's all relative. Honestly, many people spend that much money taking their family out to eat. 

Moving on. The other options are ECAC and Hockey East. Their games are on ESPN+. Like many fans, I already pay the monthly charge of $11.99. If you're an NHL hockey fan, you're probably already a consumer of ESPN+. You're not out any more money. It's the best option for watching college hockey. 

Today, the CCHA announced that its games will be on CCHA TV, which Will be on Midco Sports Plus, per a release by the League: Midco Sports Plus includes three content packages. Midco Sports Plus 1 is available now, and customers can access all three packages on Tuesday, September 3. CCHA TV’s 180 live events can be found on Midco Sports Plus 2 for $24.99 per month or $129.99 per year. Again, I don't think that price is unreasonable. Last season, I purchased a season of Midco Sports Plus to watch Summit League Basketball, and the quality was unbelievable. 

Finally, the Atlantic Hockey Association games are on Flo Sports. Again, that's a win. You get a lot more than college hockey on Flo Sports. Looking at the image below, you can see that you can watch the ECHL, Atlantic Hockey, USHL, and numerous junior hockey leagues. Like myself, if you're a fan of the Highlimit and Luca Oil Late Model Series, you have already paid $150 to watch both series. That's not an unreasonable price to pay to watch college hockey. 

Don't Let Them Fool You, The Ralph is the Best

UND hockey fans have been saying this since October 5, 2001. To some, this has to be one of the silliest Twitter arguments to date. Some of us might be biased, but the Ralph Engelstad Arena is the top facility in all of college hockey if not all of hockey.  You can chime in below if you want. 

Is this true? Is this what college hockey fans do? They flex the “we got the best rink” muscle? Who’s got the best rink in College Hockey??? https://t.co/AnOCxmKRi6

— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) November 16, 2023

Leave it to the Gopher fans to say something silly. I've never been impressed with 3M Arena at Mariucci, the Ralph blows it away.

Minnesota. Fuck Nodak pic.twitter.com/OtR5OtQ5Qf

— CJ Gustafson (@Cgustafson24) November 16, 2023

Here's a good rundown of what Ralph has to offer. There aren't many NHL arenas that can offer what Ralph Engelstad Arena has. You can watch the TSN video to see what you're missing.  

@UNDmhockey https://t.co/0ya8t46735

— 03'HH (@2003Havoc) November 16, 2023

Recruited not drafted, but good point.

My friends son just got drafted by North Dakota... thier locker room is better than most nhl locker rooms.

— Kris Deren (@Reelaxedkris) November 16, 2023

That is a good point by NoDak Sens.

#NoDakSens and it ain't close. pic.twitter.com/PI0eY7SUfa

— Locked On Senators (@SensCentral) November 16, 2023

Yale's arena, while historic, has been outdated for a while.

Yale's barn is a work of art. pic.twitter.com/ckikcW5pYQ

— Peter Merkle (@CBJMerkle) November 16, 2023

The former captain, Gage Ausmus is 100 percent correct.

Stupid debate. One very clear cut answer. You guys know what it is, I’m not even going to waste my time explaining. https://t.co/721rwVY6DF

— Gage Ausmus (@Gausmus47) November 16, 2023

College Hockey's Contribution to the Wolrd Cup of Hockey

I was perusing an ESPN article today and here’s the breakdown of ex-college hockey players that will be participating in the World Cup of Hockey. Pretty impressive list of all-stars.

Michigan: Dylan Larkin (Team North America), Jacob Trouba (Team North America), Carl Hagelin (Sweden), Jack Johnson (Team USA), Max Pacioretty (Team USA)

Minnesota: Thomas Vanek (Team Europe), Erik Haula (Finland), Erik Johnson (Team USA), Blake Wheeler (Team USA)

Wisconsin: Ryan McDonagh (Team USA), Joe Pavelski (Team USA), Derek Stepan (Team USA), Ryan Suter (Team USA)

North Dakota: Jonathan Toews (Canada), T.J. Oshie (Team USA), Zach Parise (Team USA)

Boston College: Johnny Gaudreau (Team North America), Cory Schneider (Team USA)

Michigan State Duncan Keith (Canada), Justin Abdelkader (Team USA)

Where Have I Been

It's been a busy summer. Recently, I was hired to be the College Hockey News guy at the Hockey Writers. So, I will be spending less time here and more time over on here.
The Past week and half I've been busy.
Get ready for the like-minded talk again: Minnesota State Applies to the NCHC.
The Boston College Eagles have had a tough summer.
B.C. Recruit Michael Campoli Hurt at the Sabres Development Camp.
The Eagles have also had seven early departures this summer.
There's could be some changes to college hockey, there's a proposal from the Power 5 schools to give athletes more time off: Power 5 Conferences Announce Agreement on Flex 21.
Apparently, the same eastern hockey coaches aren't enamored with the new 4-on-4 proposals: College Hockey Coaches Lukewarm to 4-on-4 O.T.
Former Fighting Sioux Defenseman Derek Forbort has re-signed with the L.A. Kings.
Phil Kessel played the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a injured hand and it didn't slow him down.
Apparently, the Great One convinced Milan Lucic to sign with the Oilers.
The Bentley University Falcons are getting a new hockey arena.
Stating Monday, I will be on vacation. I am going to take some time off and enjoy my new boat.

Beloved WCHA Official Oliver "Butch" Mousseaux Dies

It's a sad day in the college hockey world. Last weekend, WCHA referee Oliver "Butch" Mousseaux fell and hit his head during the pre-game warmups at Van Andel Arena. Mousseaux suffered a traumatic brain injury from the fall and died from the injuries this morning in an hospital in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Mousseaux was one of the most popular and highly respected officials in college hockey. Make no mistake about it, Mousseaux was a very good on-ice official. He will definitely be missed. Thoughts and prayers going to the Mousseaux family.

From the Peter J. Wallner of MLive -- Butch Mousseaux, who had been a referee with the WCHA since 2003, grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. As the first Native American official, Mousseau's NHL officials' sweater and skates are in the league's Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada.

He is survived by his wife, Macaire, three children Sam (SJ), Abbie, and Olivia; his parents, Oliver and Mary; sisters Beth and Fran, and brothers Charlie and Joey.

This smile will always be part of the college hockey world, & in the hearts of everyone Oliver "Butch" Mousseau met. pic.twitter.com/SFIX5NTV5x

— WCHA Men's Hockey (@WCHA_MHockey) March 25, 2016

RIP Butchy Mousseau...you will be missed! @TheNCHC @WCHA_MHockey pic.twitter.com/uDhDtAQB8y

— Don Adam (@DonAdam7) March 25, 2016

The Big Indian passed away this morning and he will be deeply missed. Please continue to support his family...@TheNCHC @WCHA_MHockey

— Don Adam (@DonAdam7) March 25, 2016

I wept doing this write-thru, reporting & writing it. Oliver "Butch" Mousseaux, NCAA hockey referee, dies at 48: https://t.co/weuKP6D6na

— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers) March 25, 2016

This week's Brackets from USCHO

Here are this week’s brackets from USCHO's Jason Moy. Finally, this week, Moy has UND in the Xcel Center. That works well for UND fans that would like to make the short trip to St. Paul. I am also shocked that he doesn't have the Boston College Eagles in Worcester yet.

East Regional (Albany):
13 Omaha vs. 4 Providence
11 Harvard vs. 5 Boston College

Northeast Regional (Worcester):
16 Minnesota State vs. 1 Quinnipiac
10 Boston University vs 8 Yale

Midwest Regional (Cincinnati):
15 Robert Morris vs. 3 St. Cloud State
9 Notre Dame vs. 6 Michigan

West Regional (St. Paul):
14 Minnesota vs. 2 North Dakota
12 Massachusetts-Lowell vs. 7 Denver

Conference breakdowns

Hockey East — 5
NCHC — 4
ECAC Hockey — 3
Big Ten — 2
WCHA — 1
Atlantic Hockey — 1

College Hockey TV schedule +

Looking at this weekend college hockey television schedule, if you have DirecTV, you’re in luck, there’s a lot of hockey on television this weekend.

Vermont vs. Merrimack	Feb. 26	8:35 ET	(NESN+) DirecTV 628.1
Boston University vs. Notre Dame	Feb. 26	7:35 ET	NBCSN Station Stream
Minnesota-Duluth vs. St. Cloud State	Feb. 26	8:07 CT	CBSN DirecTV 220
Wisconsin vs. Ohio State	Feb. 26	6:35 ET	BTN DirecTV 610
Michigan vs. Minnesota	Feb. 26	8:05 CT	BTN DirecTV 610
Yale vs. Quinnipiac	Feb. 27	7:00 ET	SNY DirecTV 639
Boston University vs. Notre Dame	Feb. 27	7:05 ET	NBCSN Station Stream
Boston College vs. Mass.-Lowell	Feb. 27	7:00 ET	NESN DirecTV 628
Minnesota-Duluth vs. St. Cloud State	Feb. 27	7:07 CT	FCS 608 DirecTV
North Dakota vs. Nebraska-Omaha	Feb. 27	7:07 CT	ASN Altitude 681 DirecTV

UW Hockey: How the Mighty Have Fallen

This week, Tom Oates has a great piece in the Wisconsin State Journal on the Wisconsin Badgers hockey team and how far they have fallen. The Wisconsin Badgers fans that I talk to want head coach Mike Eaves gone.

The hockey team is losing at a historic rate — only 10 wins in its past 61 games — and fan support is in decline. The Badgers were 4-26-5 last season, the worst record in program history. They’re a more competitive 6-13-7 this season, but the stain of last month’s sweep at the hands of arch-rival Minnesota, a series in which UW was outscored 13-2, won’t go away soon.

Eaves won an NCAA title in 2006 and took UW to the national final in 2010, but, short of a miracle, this season will be the fourth in six years that UW won’t make the tournament. For a variety of reasons, including an ever-changing roster of assistants, UW’s recruiting has fallen off in the past few years as well. (Wisconsin State Journal)

Last year, the Badgers had the worst year in their storied program’s history. This season, the Badgers aren’t much better. They have improved slightly.

After going 13-6-1 in Big Ten Conference play during the 2013-14 season, the Badgers have won three Big Ten games 3-23-6 (187) over the past two seasons.

Since the 2010-11 season, attendance at Wisconsin hockey games has been trending downward. Comparing the 2011-12 to the current season, UW has averaged 4,407 less fans per game. In essence, the Badgers have gone from leading the nation in attendance (2010-11) to third in the nation. The Badgers have the second largest arena in college hockey so there only selling 57% of their tickets. (USCHO)

2015-16: 8,819
2014-15: 10,931
2013-14: 10,478
2012-13: 9521
2011-12: 11,773
2010-11: 13,226

Friday Links

Big Ten’s Traviolia weighs in on fan frustrations, attendance, league’s future plans [USCHO.COM]

Finally, the UND hockey teams is back to full strength. [UND Hockey Blog]

The University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs are probably going to have to win the NCHC tourney to make the NCAA playoffs: College men’s hockey: Hard way only way left for UMD after loss to Bemidji State [Duluth News Tribune]

Bemidji State Hockey: Road trip continues with key series at Lake Superior State [Bemidji Pioneer]

Minnesota-Hockey: B1G Idiot Leads Big Ten Hockey [ Daily Gopher]

MEN’S HOCKEY: Poolman a big piece for UND [Grand Forks Herald]

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: UND’s German-born defenseman and Crookston-born forward have become inseparable [Grand Forks Herald]

UND HOCKEY: For the first time this season, UND has a full lineup available [Grand Forks Herald]

DU-UND 1994: The Last of the Great College Hockey Brawls [Let’s Go DU]

Some Pairwise news from Jim Dahl: North Dakota eyeing taking #1 from Quinnipiac, but don’t count out St. Cloud [collegehockeyranked.com]

North Dakota Fans Begin to Arrive [Let’s Go DU]

Matt VanVoorhis grew up North Dakota fan, dreamed of playing for Denver Pioneers [Denver Post]

Breaking Down the NCHC Conference Races [SBN College Hockey]

Gophers-Ohio State men’s hockey game preview [Star Tribune]

Between the Lines: Potpourri [College Hockey News]

College Hockey: Goals per Game by Conference

Recently, there's been a common theme beginning to emerge in college hockey. The teams in the WCHA aren't scoring very many goals. Some of this might be due to the way the games are being called by the on-ice officials. The WCHA officials are letting the obstruction go.  I have been following some of the beat writers and fans in the WCHA, and they aren't happy. Stats are for the season and are current as of January 21, 2016. Thoughts?
s/t @SWilliamsLPTV

conference	in conference	all games
Big Ten	7.5	6.52
AHA	5.73	5.93
NCHC	5.6	5.46
HE	5.48	5.58
ECAC	5.01	5.45
WCHA	4.81	4.91

                    

CHN Drops Bomb Shell

Merry Christmas everyone, today, Mike McMahon and Adam Wodon from College Hockey News have put out a pretty serious story. This is not good if true. These kind of incidents could lead to sanctions from the NCAA.

Mike McMahon and Adam Wodon , College Hockey News --- Boston University junior forward Nick Roberto, who has not played this season due to a team-imposed suspension, will not play for the remainder of this season, College Hockey News has learned.

According to several sources, Roberto's suspension is the result of gambling activity he participated in during last season. Sources indicate that Roberto was not the only BU player involved, though those players are no longer with the hockey program. The identity of those players could not be confirmed. Other sources have indicated that players from other teams were involved, too.

In a statement released to CHN today, the University said, “Beyond confirming that Mr. Roberto will not play for the Boston University hockey team this season, federal privacy laws prevent us from discussing his status.

WHKY: North Dakota splits with the Buckeyes

Grand Forks, N.D. -- North Dakota wanted to sweep Ohio State this weekend, however, it skated away with a split Sunday afternoon.

Saturday afternoon UND threw everything and the kitchen sink at OSU's goaltender, Alex Lamere in the first period. By the end of the first, UND had 20 shots on goal, but only one goal to show for it.

The lone first-period goal came at the 12:04 mark from Jordan Hampton with an assist from Samantha Hanson. It was Hampton's first career goal for North Dakota.  There were several opportunities for UND to capitalize during the first, but they were unable to complete.

In the second, OSU picked up the pace and wouldn't trail again after potting their first goal which came after a couple of shifts that had North Dakota on its heels.

Early in the third UND's Amy Menke helped take a 2-1 advantage. Menke tallied three goals on on the weekend. A little over a minute later Kendall Curtis scored for the Buckeyes. Followed by another OSU goal from Maddy Field.

That was enough to seal the game for Ohio State after their 2-7-0 record heading into the Ralph on the weekend.

Sunday afternoon shifted North Dakota where they were able to capitalize on their opportunities in the first scoring twice with goals from Kryzaniak and Menke.

Freshman forward, Vilma Tanskanen scored her second goal of the season at the 6:45 mark of the second period.

The Buckeye's Maddy Field was able to break through in the third period for OSU's singular goal of the game, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Before the game ended, Menke potted her second goal.

Over the weekend, Menke had three goals and registered eight shots on goal. North Dakota skated away with a spilt.

This Friday (7:07 p.m.) evening and Saturday afternoon (4:07 p.m.) UND will face WCHA conference opponent, Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are 2-6 in conference. 

WHKY: North Dakota splits with top-ranked Minnesota

Grand Forks, N.D. - Thursday evening's match up against the top-ranked Minnesota Gophers did not produce the kind of results that the University of North Dakota women's hockey hoped for. North Dakota suffered a 5-1 loss to the reigning national champions. UND was never able to surmount the three-goal first period deficit.

Friday was another story when North Dakota  snapped the Gopher's 12-game winning streak that dated back to the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference's Final Face-Off tournament.

"There are so many times they've smacked us around and we've been able to respond the next day, play well and shake it off," head coach Brian Idalski said.

North Dakota was able to hold the Gopher's off for a 4-3 win in front of a crowd of 3,361 at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The team performed 55 minutes of the game without Tanja Eisenschmid who received a five-minute major and game misconduct early in the first period. UND was able to weather the storm holding the Gophers to only two shots on goal during the advantage.

Minnesota's Captain Hannah Brandt opened up the scoring shortly after North Dakota killed a penalty with 3:20 remaining in the first period.

North Dakota's Amy Menke hit back a little over a minute into the second period on a gritty play with traffic around the Gopher net. After that, UND didn't trail again.

Idalski's adjustment for game two was to put Menke and senior, forward Meghan Dufault on the same line. That change paid off.

“He told us if he’s putting us together, we have to produce multiple points,” Menke said. Before the end of the night, Menke and Dufault each tallied two goals a piece. 

Dufault's goals coming only nine seconds apart with about six minutes remaining in the second.

During the third period, Menke tacked on her second goal of the evening. North Dakota held a two-goal lead with less than four minutes remaining in the frame. When trailing, the Gophers, have almost always found a way to turn the game around in their favor.

North Dakota was able to hold the one-goal lead and as the seconds ticketed down, the Kelly green and white fanbase counted down with it.

UND will have a bye week before hosting Ohio State Nov. 14-15.  OSU is 4-4-0 and will face Bemidji State this weekend.

Note: North Dakota was without Halli Krzyzaniak due to her participation in the Four Nations Cup.

You can watch the recap video from Friday's game at UNDSports.com - including Dufault's back-to-back goals.

UND Sports game-day story
Grand Forks Herald - UND beats No. 1-ranked Minnesota 
Box score

Division I NCAA Hockey: Odds to NCAA Title

Well, the early line out according to Bovada. Apparently, the oddsmakers like Boston College. Like the weekly polls, these things are fun to look at, but mean very little.

Boston College - 4/1
Minnesota-Duluth - 13/2
Boston University - 15/2
Providence - 17/2
North Dakota - 17/2
UMass Lowell - 10/1
Minnesota State - 11/1
Harvard - 11/1
Minnesota - 11/1
Miami - 11/1
Denver - 12/1
Michigan - 12/1
Nebraska Omaha - 15/1
Yale - 28/1
Michigan Tech - 28/1
Bowling Green - 28/1


(s/t B.C. Interruption)

WHKY: North Dakota opens season against the Rensselaer Engineers

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -

The University of North Dakota women's hockey team will open its regular season on the road in upstate New York. North Dakota will face RPI in an ever-important non-conference game right out of the gate.

When playing in the WCHA, non-conference games can make or break a team's post-season hopes. This weekend is no exception and North Dakota hopes to win its first game in Troy, N.Y. this weekend. Veterans returning to this ice for the green and white understand that importance of this weekend. "We know what it's like to drop games early and, I guess, be punished for it at the end of the season," senior, forward Layla Marvin said.

Head coach Brian Idalski said that the focus is to win hockey games, but that the team needs to be patient with where its at at this stage in the season.

The last time the teams met at the Houston Field House, RPI swept North Dakota. Last season, the Engineers traveled to The Ralph for the season opener where North Dakota took the game 7-1.

Last weekend North Dakota struggled offensively in their exhibition against the University of Manitoba Bisons. The lone goal credited in the second to Anna Kiponen. The puck came off the skate of a Bisons player before entering their net. North Dakota gave all three goaltenders a workout during the exhibition.

Live stats will be available for tomorrow's game (5:00 p.m. CST) and Saturday (1:00 p.m. CST) match-up at RPI Athletics. You can also follow @UNDWHockey on Twitter for updates.

North Dakota will continue its caravan on the road through October 16th. The first home game of the season will be a Saturday afternoon match-up against the gritty, Bemidji State Beavers on October 17th.

Twenty players headed for salary arbitration

There are 20 NHL players headed toward salary arbitration. As you can see, there's a college hockey connection for some of the players on the list.


Arizona Coyotes: Philip Samuelsson (July 21) B.C., Brendan Shinnimin (July 20)
Calgary Flames: Lance Bouma (July 22), Paul Byron (July 30), Josh Jooris (July 28) UC
Colorado Avalanche: Andrew Agozzino (July 20), Mat Clark (July 22)
Edmonton Oilers: Justin Schultz (July 24) * UW
Minnesota Wild: Erik Haula (July 31) MN
Nashville Predators: Craig Smith UW (July 20), Colin Wilson (July 28) BU
New Jersey Devils: Eric Gelinas (July 21), Adam Larsson (July 29)
New York Rangers: Derek Stepan (July 27) UW
Ottawa Senators: Alex Chiasson (July 23) BU, Mike Hoffman (July 30)
Philadelphia Flyers: Michael Del Zotto (July 21)
Toronto Maple Leafs: Jonathan Bernier (July 31)*
Washington Capitals: Braden Holtby (July 23), Marcus Johansson (July 29)

Schmaltz Signs with St. Louis and Other Stuff

by Redwing77

Going into the offseason, I predicted two players leaving:  Zane McIntyre and Jordan Schmaltz.  Sadly, I did not predict Hakstol leaving.  More on that in a bit.

Schmaltz, a former first round draft pick of the Blues, officially signed per Brad Schlossman.  The signing itself, to me, comes as no surprise, though some of the comments on Brad's blog, for some reason, did.  Some "fans" seem to think poorly of Schmaltz and his readiness for the NHL.  The thing is, I don't think anyone, Schmaltz included (my opinion anyways), expects him to jump right to the NHL.  But Schmaltz did do very well for himself at North Dakota.  He showed improvement every year in Grand Forks and he decided to begin his trek to the NHL as a pro one year early.  I'd expect nothing less for a first round pick.

It's a loss, but not an unexpected one.

The same is true for Zane.  What else, other than a National Championship, could Zane accomplish?  Hobey Baker?  No.  In my opinion, Ryan Miller winning the Hobey Baker is more an exception to the rule rather than anything else.  True, Robb Stauber (87-88 for UMN) also won the award as a goaltender but in today's NCAA, it's not going to happen.  Good luck to Zane in the pros.  He's got a logjam ahead of him in net with Boston, but you never know.  After all, I thought Boston found an excellent backup in Svedberg but he bolted for the KHL instead.  Malcolm Subban is ahead of McIntyre and I'm sure there's at least one other vying for time in the NHL (no one is unseating Rask at the moment tho).

This leaves UND with Hrynkiw (sp?), Cam Johnson, and 2015 NHL Combine invite Martej Tomek in net.  It will be interesting to see what happens.

UND has incoming freshmen D that will be interesting to watch as well.  I've watched Wolanin and Hayden Shaw play in the USHL last season and I'm no evaluator of talent, luckily for UND.  Shaw split the year in the USHL between Waterloo and Dubuque.  Stats aside, I didn't notice much of him during the year.  That's not good for a puck moving defenseman (which in the USHL means offensive-defenseman).

As for Wolanin, he was Captain this year of the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL.  This speaks to his role in the lockerroom, even though my experience with watching him was highlighted mostly by him spending an awful lot of time after the whistle and after each period arguing with the officials.  He was solid defensively, but not dynamic in my opinion.

How will this pair out with the returnees (and I'm assuming Keaton Thompson is returning as well).  Who knows?

As for Hakstol...

I'm interested to see what Hakstol does in the NHL.  It will definitely be an adjustment.  Player attitudes are different.  The game is a bit different as well.  But most notably, Hakstol's "power" is different too.  In Grand Forks, Hakstol is the coach, GM, Director of Player Personnel, Head of Player Development, Head Scout (even if recruiting is split between him and his assistants), and all that.  In the pros, he's just the coach.  He has input on the other aspects but no real power.  It's like a higher profile, higher paying, demotion in a way.

I hope he does well and that his experience isn't as (apparently) unpleasant as Blais' was with the Blue Jackets.  The Flyers aren't exactly playoff ready but they're close.  They're lacking scoring, a 2nd line center, depth at all positions except defense, and goaltending.  The NHL Radio on Sirius suggests that the Flyers only need a backup goaltender.  Uh...  Chris Mason is their backup goaltender.  Emery was a has been that could've been and Zepp is a neverwas who is living the dream.  As far as I'm concerned, they're desperate for a #1 after giving up on Bobrovsky (Columbus) only to see him turn around and get the Vezina 2 years later.

Heh.  Chicago has to practically disband after this year due to salary cap.  Corey Crawford is a name that has been popping up as someone Chicago will have to trade.  Philly is stacked to overflowing with defensive prospects.  Perhaps Crawford for a prospect and cash?  It's not like Chicago can't find another goaltender.  I mean, they signed an overage UDFA named Antti Niemi and won their first Cup in 60+ years.  Crawford was at the point of becoming a bust when he finally stuck and won their second.  Chicago remains a hot place for undrafted players to sign.

What do I know though?

Tuesday at the Links: Wild Finish Expected

This is the last week of hockey in the NHL. The Frozen Four kicks off this weekend. There's a lot of hockey news breaking.

The NHL’s 2014-15 regular season is over this weekend. Apparently, Ron MacLean has fallen out of favor with Rogers Sport Ca.

David Shoalts, the Globe and Mail -- The start of the NHL playoffs next week will likely bring a significant change for television viewers. For the first time in 28 years, Ron MacLean is not scheduled to be in a host’s chair for any of the first-round series. MacLean will only be seen in his role as Don Cherry’s sidekick on Coach’s Corner, although the plan is to have the popular duo on the air almost every night.

When Rogers Communications Inc. wrested the Canadian national broadcast rights away from the CBC and TSN before this season, MacLean was replaced as the main Hockey Night In Canada host by George Stroumboulopoulos. MacLean retained his role with Cherry, but his host duties were confined to Rogers Hometown Hockey broadcasts on Sunday nights on the Sportsnet and City networks. Hometown Hockey wrapped for the season last Sunday.

Brett Slawson of the Hockey Writers has his top-ten free agents.

Devan Dubnyk has been likely the most inspiring story in the NHL this year. After a disastrous 2013-14 season, Dubnyk’s NHL career looked to be coming to an end, however, since being given an opportunity with Arizona and now Minnesota, Devan has established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL today.

Like Soderberg, Dubnyk is also in an interesting situation. Prior to this season, Dubnyk struggled to say the least, making it difficult for a club to reward Dubnyk for one stellar season amid a career of inconsistency.

At the age of 28, Dubnyk has a ton of hockey ahead of him, while his current cap hit of 378K with the Wild, per conditions of his trade from Arizona, make Dubnyk the best bargain in the NHL. His 2014-15 contract, which pays 800K in total, is likely much less than the Wild or any other team will be willing to pay Devan for his services.

Considering Minnesota’s lack of goaltending options, the Wild will likely retain Dubnyk with a one to two year contract, as despite his stellar play this year, it’s hard to see a large number of NHL teams bidding for Dubnyk’s inconsistent services.

Hockey Wilderness: Wild Fail to Punch their Ticket to the Postseason

NHL Rumors: Bruins could look to trade Marc Savard's contract

SBN College Hockey: Goaltending key to Frozen Four Teams

Julien: We aren't out of the woods for playoff spot

Friday Morning Links

Good Morning, the NCHC playoffs are finally here. The second season is upon us. Let’s take a look at what’s happening today.  It's really hard to believe that the season is winding down already. Next weekend Frozen Faceoff.  

Predictions Stoney Sioux says sweep...It's Hard to End Somebody's Season

Schloss is going with a sweep as well.

The University of Hockey Sweep it is.

UND looks to End Tigers Season

USCHO has UND sweeping this weekend as well: NCHC picks: March 13

CC Tigers hope to surprise everyone but themselves in NCHC playoffS

BU phenom Jack Eichel learning lessons on, off the ice

WHKY: A letter to WCHA women's hockey

Dear WCHA Women’s Hockey,

We’ve been friends for several years now and it’s been wonderful watching some of the best and most dominant women’s hockey teams in the country under the umbrella of the WCHA. But this weekend’s Final Face-Off left me a little blue.

I spent my Saturday at the Ralph Engelstad Arena watching a two quality women’s hockey games, but I was still left wanting something a little more.  During intermission I wondered why there weren’t any intermission games. No videos before or after honoring previous winners or highlighting the successes or WCHA alumni, coaching staff or programs. How about highlighting the WCHA nominees for the Patty Kaz award? WCHA women’s hockey has so much to be proud of. Why not showcase it?

If you walked around the arena, it didn’t make you feel as if you were in a tournament atmosphere. I know these are little things that might cost a little money and time, but I think it’s worth creating a fan atmosphere.

Maybe the lack of fan engagement is a dollar and cents situation. And I get it, the Final Face-Off can’t be compared to the money or atmosphere of the WCHA Final Five, but the WCHA can do better for women’s hockey. It has to do better. You should strive to be like the Final Five of yester-year even if it seems like an impossible goal. In the same way you ask student-athletes to elevate their game on ice and in the classroom, I’m asking you to do the same for the fan experience.

I applaud the effort to offer the free youth clinic on Saturday morning. I can appreciate the fact that this was an excellent opportunity to advance girls’ hockey. I hope the attendees had an unforgettable experience.

An event such as the Final Face-Off has two opportunities: help grow girls’ hockey and increase and sustain the fan base. You have an exceptional product on the ice. Make the event unforgettable for fans, not just the players.

Sincerely,

Jackie – a WCHA women’s hockey fan