1 Minnesota-Duluth 29.6528 10
2 Nebraska-Omaha 46.0139 2
7 North Dakota 64.7059 1
13 Denver 32.8292 7
14 Minnesota 30.4115 9
17 Wisconsin 42.5637 3
26 Colorado College 32.7434 8
31 St Cloud St 33.5745 6
32 Michigan Tech 34.6960 5
38 Alaska Anchorage 25.0449 11
39 Bemidji State 40.3832 4
43 MSU-Mankato 23.8635 12
Here is the strength of schedule from the KRACH, without a doubt the UND Fighting Sioux have played the toughest schedule in Division I so far this season.
While other teams around college hockey are feasting on lesser teams and the weak sisters of the poor and racking up wins by big impressive scores the Fighting Sioux are playing good solid hockey and hold an 8-5-1 record. While that record is not awesome or mind blowing by any stretch of the imagination it’s still a pretty respectable. So to use the old cliché, it is what it is. The Sioux will only get better if they can get their goaltending solidified. Aaron Dell appears to have stolen the show.
So before the Fighting Sioux fan base decided to throw coach Hakstol and his staff under team bus for splitting on the road this weekend; I think we need to grab some perspective here. UND just went 3-1 on the road, swept at Wisconsin and split at Omaha.
Regardless if the play was offsides or not, that’s the breaks, the Sioux didn’t play to the whistle and they lost the game. Go back and watch the video again there were Sioux defenders standing around watching the Maverick forward put the puck in the net, that can’t happen.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Game 2 vs. UNO: The Attack of the Moronic ARs (RW77)
Well... we lost.
The Game
Funny, they didn't show the replay of the goal at the Qwest... at least not without removing the clock. So I was left with the impression that we were going to overtime. Judging on the fact that Campion only reviewed the goal for about 5-10 seconds made me wonder if he even looked at the time. I guess he did.
UND played great... for 59 minutes and 47 seconds. With about 12 seconds left in the game, the puck was tucked behind the UNO goal and I thought "well, OT here we come. We better not tie." And the rush for UNO began. UND bottled up the outside and I thought they would waste enough time to force OT, but... The Red Light went on and the crowd went nuts. It was truly dramatic. And it was scored by a UNO player that gave us fits all weekend, imo.
Alex Hudson (#26 aka last night's 3rd star of the game imo) was again all over the ice and again in the position one needs to be in to capitolize on a rebound. He was there and he made no mistake.
Aaron Dell played well. Matt Frattin can't find a stick that can stay intact for longer than a game. He broke at least 2 this weekend, maybe 3. I can honestly say that we were just beaten by opportunity. We didn't beat ourselves in this one.
My Three Stars:
First Star: Faulkner (UNO)
Second Star: Hudson (UNO)
Third Star: Aaron Dell (UND)
The media went with Hudson as the first star, and I couldn't blame them, but I think it was the UNO goaltender that stole the game for UNO. There were some incredible saves he made on UND down low.
The Experience
I sat near more UND fans this game, but not immediately so. Once again, I sat in front of an incredibly nice UNO family who were great fun to talk to. They were courteous. At one point in the game, UND was dominating (we were on the PK) and he told his wife how UND was a team UNO hasn't played before in terms of talent and ability. "Everything was smooth" according to him. And I agree. Fundamentally, we were MUCH better last night than Friday.
The Officiating
Nope. Not going to rag on Campion and Mason because I think they actually called a decent game. However, Dane Jackson was right. The ARs were atrocious all weekend long. Once again, UND was offsides a few times and got away with it. They once again didn't know how to call hybrid icing. They had a bear of a time trying to stay out of the way. As for the final rush and that offsides, looking at the replay, they couldn't have gotten that one right. If they had, the crowd would have seriously been upset. And they have a right to be. Up until that point, UNO was offsides and got the whistle. UND had been offsides 2 times (3 times this weekend at least) without the whistle going off.
If I were Hakstol and Blais, I'd see if I could get those plays on video and submit them to Sheptard. Then file a copy away for the post season meetings. This was a screw job that affected both UND and UNO.... but at least they didn't get as screwed by the officials as the Husker football team.
The Weekend
UND played well enough to get 4 points offensively, 2 points defensively, and got 2 points despite it all. They were trying to accomplish 3 straight WCHA Sweeps, something they haven't done since '98-'99. Oh well.
I think Dell is the man for now. His numbers are mind blowing. Eidsness' confidence is wandering somewhere between Grand Forks and Minot in that wasteland known as Highway 2. He is the key, imo. We need two goaltenders on their game to make #8, even if it is Dell in the Title game...or Dell taking most of the games as #1.
The only thing I question is: It would have been nice to see Bruneteau play instead of Gleason this weekend. Gleason was invisible (at least from where I was sitting).
Oh yeah, Brock Nelson needs to find away to use his weight. He got thrown around like a rag doll this weekend.
The Game
Funny, they didn't show the replay of the goal at the Qwest... at least not without removing the clock. So I was left with the impression that we were going to overtime. Judging on the fact that Campion only reviewed the goal for about 5-10 seconds made me wonder if he even looked at the time. I guess he did.
UND played great... for 59 minutes and 47 seconds. With about 12 seconds left in the game, the puck was tucked behind the UNO goal and I thought "well, OT here we come. We better not tie." And the rush for UNO began. UND bottled up the outside and I thought they would waste enough time to force OT, but... The Red Light went on and the crowd went nuts. It was truly dramatic. And it was scored by a UNO player that gave us fits all weekend, imo.
Alex Hudson (#26 aka last night's 3rd star of the game imo) was again all over the ice and again in the position one needs to be in to capitolize on a rebound. He was there and he made no mistake.
Aaron Dell played well. Matt Frattin can't find a stick that can stay intact for longer than a game. He broke at least 2 this weekend, maybe 3. I can honestly say that we were just beaten by opportunity. We didn't beat ourselves in this one.
My Three Stars:
First Star: Faulkner (UNO)
Second Star: Hudson (UNO)
Third Star: Aaron Dell (UND)
The media went with Hudson as the first star, and I couldn't blame them, but I think it was the UNO goaltender that stole the game for UNO. There were some incredible saves he made on UND down low.
The Experience
I sat near more UND fans this game, but not immediately so. Once again, I sat in front of an incredibly nice UNO family who were great fun to talk to. They were courteous. At one point in the game, UND was dominating (we were on the PK) and he told his wife how UND was a team UNO hasn't played before in terms of talent and ability. "Everything was smooth" according to him. And I agree. Fundamentally, we were MUCH better last night than Friday.
The Officiating
Nope. Not going to rag on Campion and Mason because I think they actually called a decent game. However, Dane Jackson was right. The ARs were atrocious all weekend long. Once again, UND was offsides a few times and got away with it. They once again didn't know how to call hybrid icing. They had a bear of a time trying to stay out of the way. As for the final rush and that offsides, looking at the replay, they couldn't have gotten that one right. If they had, the crowd would have seriously been upset. And they have a right to be. Up until that point, UNO was offsides and got the whistle. UND had been offsides 2 times (3 times this weekend at least) without the whistle going off.
If I were Hakstol and Blais, I'd see if I could get those plays on video and submit them to Sheptard. Then file a copy away for the post season meetings. This was a screw job that affected both UND and UNO.... but at least they didn't get as screwed by the officials as the Husker football team.
The Weekend
UND played well enough to get 4 points offensively, 2 points defensively, and got 2 points despite it all. They were trying to accomplish 3 straight WCHA Sweeps, something they haven't done since '98-'99. Oh well.
I think Dell is the man for now. His numbers are mind blowing. Eidsness' confidence is wandering somewhere between Grand Forks and Minot in that wasteland known as Highway 2. He is the key, imo. We need two goaltenders on their game to make #8, even if it is Dell in the Title game...or Dell taking most of the games as #1.
The only thing I question is: It would have been nice to see Bruneteau play instead of Gleason this weekend. Gleason was invisible (at least from where I was sitting).
Oh yeah, Brock Nelson needs to find away to use his weight. He got thrown around like a rag doll this weekend.
Scores from 11/20/2010
ATLANTIC HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
Air Force 7 at Niagara 4
American Int'l 4 at Connecticut 5
Bentley 5 at Holy Cross 2
Robert Morris 2 at Canisius 3 OT
Sacred Heart 4 at Army 4 OT
ECAC
Dartmouth 3 at Princeton 2
Brown 3 at Cornell 2
Harvard 4 at Quinnipiac 5
St. Lawrence 1 at Clarkson 3
Yale 6 at Colgate 4
CCHA
Michigan State 2 at Notre Dame 4
Miami 3 at Bowling Green 0
Western Michigan 2 at Ferris State 2 OT
HOCKEY EAST
Providence 0 at Northeastern 5
UMass Lowell 2 at Merrimack 3
New Hampshire 2 at Boston University 4
WCHA
Bemidji State 2 at Denver 4
Minnesota 4 at Michigan Tech 1
Minnesota Duluth 3 at Wisconsin 2 OT
North Dakota 0 at Nebraska-Omaha 1
St. Cloud State 4 at Alaska Anchorage 3
Analysis - Denver 4 Bemidji State 2; The BSU Beavers had a 2-1 lead before losing the game 4-2. Denver University goalie Sam Brittain was stellar in net again for the Pioneers. Nick Shore scored the game tying and game winning goal for the Pioneers.
Minnesota 4 Michigan Tech 1 – The Gophers cruised to a series sweep against the MTU Huskies in Houghton, Michigan. Gopher senior Mike Hoeffel scored two more goals giving him four on the weekend as the Gophers beat the Michigan Tech Huskies. Kent Patterson started both games in goal for the Gophers this weekend and was solid in net all weekend as he got his fifth and sixth wins of the season.
Minnesota Duluth 3 Wisconsin 2 OT – The Bulldogs swept in Madison Wisconsin for the first time since 1985. For the season the UMD Bulldogs have a record of 11-1-2/8-1-1 WCHA and have an impressive record of 5-0-2 in the extra session. For the Second week in a row Wisconsin was swept at home. With the loss the Wisconsin Badgers dropped to 6-6-2/3-5-2 WCHA.
Nebraska-Omaha 1 North Dakota 0– The game was tied for 59 minutes and 59 seconds until the Mavericks scored with 0.03 left in the game. I was trying to think back to a game that resembled this one and the NCAA playoff game between UND and UNH comes to mind. This is why you play to the whistle. There was some question if the Mavericks were offside on the goal and from looking at the video I would say yes. Here is what Brad Schlossman had to say about the goal in question.
Statically: Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell has been impressive to say the least; during the road trip Dell had a 1.20 gaa where the Fighting Sioux went an impressive 3-1. Dell was a brick wall and shut out the opposition in seven out of ten periods of hockey. While Matt Frattin didn’t score a goal on Saturday night, scoring 22 goals in 26 games is still an impressive streak.
St. Cloud State 4 Alaska Anchorage 3 – SCSU won the game but 4-3 but in reading the UAA beat writer blog by Doyle Woody there was hit that resulted in an injury to a SCSU player.
Air Force 7 at Niagara 4
American Int'l 4 at Connecticut 5
Bentley 5 at Holy Cross 2
Robert Morris 2 at Canisius 3 OT
Sacred Heart 4 at Army 4 OT
ECAC
Dartmouth 3 at Princeton 2
Brown 3 at Cornell 2
Harvard 4 at Quinnipiac 5
St. Lawrence 1 at Clarkson 3
Yale 6 at Colgate 4
CCHA
Michigan State 2 at Notre Dame 4
Miami 3 at Bowling Green 0
Western Michigan 2 at Ferris State 2 OT
HOCKEY EAST
Providence 0 at Northeastern 5
UMass Lowell 2 at Merrimack 3
New Hampshire 2 at Boston University 4
WCHA
Bemidji State 2 at Denver 4
Minnesota 4 at Michigan Tech 1
Minnesota Duluth 3 at Wisconsin 2 OT
North Dakota 0 at Nebraska-Omaha 1
St. Cloud State 4 at Alaska Anchorage 3
Analysis - Denver 4 Bemidji State 2; The BSU Beavers had a 2-1 lead before losing the game 4-2. Denver University goalie Sam Brittain was stellar in net again for the Pioneers. Nick Shore scored the game tying and game winning goal for the Pioneers.
Minnesota 4 Michigan Tech 1 – The Gophers cruised to a series sweep against the MTU Huskies in Houghton, Michigan. Gopher senior Mike Hoeffel scored two more goals giving him four on the weekend as the Gophers beat the Michigan Tech Huskies. Kent Patterson started both games in goal for the Gophers this weekend and was solid in net all weekend as he got his fifth and sixth wins of the season.
Minnesota Duluth 3 Wisconsin 2 OT – The Bulldogs swept in Madison Wisconsin for the first time since 1985. For the season the UMD Bulldogs have a record of 11-1-2/8-1-1 WCHA and have an impressive record of 5-0-2 in the extra session. For the Second week in a row Wisconsin was swept at home. With the loss the Wisconsin Badgers dropped to 6-6-2/3-5-2 WCHA.
Nebraska-Omaha 1 North Dakota 0– The game was tied for 59 minutes and 59 seconds until the Mavericks scored with 0.03 left in the game. I was trying to think back to a game that resembled this one and the NCAA playoff game between UND and UNH comes to mind. This is why you play to the whistle. There was some question if the Mavericks were offside on the goal and from looking at the video I would say yes. Here is what Brad Schlossman had to say about the goal in question.
Screenshots show that Matt Ambroz was offsides by about an inch on the rush on the game-winning goal. Tough call to make when you can’t really tell at live speed. The linesman doesn’t have the luxury of slowing it down frame-by-frame (he was actually jumping over the puck when Ambroz entered the zone). The Sioux didn’t make an issue of it after the game.According to an eye witness account and a friend of mine who was at the game last night, said that Fighting Sioux assistant hockey coach Dane Jackson was giving it to the linesman at the end of the game and was very unhappy.
Statically: Fighting Sioux goalie Aaron Dell has been impressive to say the least; during the road trip Dell had a 1.20 gaa where the Fighting Sioux went an impressive 3-1. Dell was a brick wall and shut out the opposition in seven out of ten periods of hockey. While Matt Frattin didn’t score a goal on Saturday night, scoring 22 goals in 26 games is still an impressive streak.
St. Cloud State 4 Alaska Anchorage 3 – SCSU won the game but 4-3 but in reading the UAA beat writer blog by Doyle Woody there was hit that resulted in an injury to a SCSU player.
Novak, 22, was injured on a seemingly harmless play. As the horn was about to blow to end the second period, he had the puck in his zone and pivoted toward the boards. UAA defenseman Brad Gorham came from behind and rubbed out Novak -- it was not by any means a malicious hit. Novak appeared to dip his head a split-second before Gorham arrived and Novak went into the boards head-first.Our thoughts and prayers are with Travis Novak of the SCSU Huskies.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tim Thomas save on Stoll
This is the save of the night and the year in my opinion. Last year there were many Boston Bruins fans that wanted to throw Tim Thomas under the bus and there were many fans that wanted the Bruin's management to trade him to another team. I wonder if these same fans are happy that Tim Thomas is still on the Boston Bruins hockey team.
UNO 1 Sioux 0
This is the goal in question from tonight's game, if you look at the puck carrier bringing the puck across the line his feet are over the blue line before the puck. The correct call in my opinion should be offsides. MattC over on Sioux sports has a still shot of the play. [Click to view the picture]
I am no sure I can be upset with this game, just the way the puck bounces sometimes. What can you do? The Fighting Sioux were all over UNO for 59 minutes and let their guard down for one minute, and they lost the game. Hockey is a team game, you can win a hockey game if the forwards don't put the puck in the net, the Fighting Sioux had many grade "A" chances in the slot and didn't seal the deal, that's not acceptable either.
The goalie gave the Sioux a chance to win the game, forwards have to put the pucks in the net and defensemen have to pick up the forwards with the puck slot. Other than that I think UND has played well during the first half of the season and they have played the toughest schedule to date in college hockey. The Fighting Sioux has a very favorable schedule down the stretch.
Looking at strenght of schedule
Looking at the KRACH you will see that the Fighting Sioux have played the toughest schedule to date. Yale and Union on the other hand have played one of the weakest schedules to date.
1 Minnesota-Duluth 28.1962
2 Nebraska-Omaha 33.5532
3 Yale 112.6900 18.7817
4 North Dakota 52.9412
5 Notre Dame 39.3082
6 New Hampshire 31.5811
7 Michigan 49.1701
8 Boston University 30.5876
9 Maine 30.1576
10 Boston College 36.0261
11 Miami 33.2945
12 Alaska 37.0023
13 Denver 31.5491
14 Union 17.1503
15 Wisconsin 35.2400
16 Merrimack 30.3300
17 Minnesota 26.0761
18 Western Michigan 19.5535
19 Rensselaer 20.6242
20 Lake Superior 32.8237
1 Minnesota-Duluth 28.1962
2 Nebraska-Omaha 33.5532
3 Yale 112.6900 18.7817
4 North Dakota 52.9412
5 Notre Dame 39.3082
6 New Hampshire 31.5811
7 Michigan 49.1701
8 Boston University 30.5876
9 Maine 30.1576
10 Boston College 36.0261
11 Miami 33.2945
12 Alaska 37.0023
13 Denver 31.5491
14 Union 17.1503
15 Wisconsin 35.2400
16 Merrimack 30.3300
17 Minnesota 26.0761
18 Western Michigan 19.5535
19 Rensselaer 20.6242
20 Lake Superior 32.8237
Scores from 11/19/2010
Friday, November 19
AHA
Air Force 1 at Canisius 1 OT
American Int'l 3 at Army 9
Connecticut 2 at Bentley 3
Holy Cross 7 at Sacred Heart 2
Mercyhurst 3 at Robert Morris 1
RIT 1 at Niagara 4
ECAC
Brown 5 at Colgate 2
Dartmouth 0 at Quinnipiac 2
Harvard 0 at Princeton 1
Yale 4 at Cornell 2
HOCKEY EAST
Boston University 2 at New Hampshire 5
Merrimack 4 at UMass Lowell 3
Maine 0 at Boston College 4
Northeastern 3 at Providence 3 OT
CCHA
Miami 4 at Bowling Green 3
Western Michigan 1 at Ferris State 3
Lake Superior 2 at Michigan 7
Michigan State 2 at Notre Dame 6
Northern Michigan 1 at Alaska 1 OT
WCHA
Minnesota 6 at Michigan Tech 4
Minnesota Duluth 6 at Wisconsin 5 OT
St. Cloud State 2 at Alaska Anchorage 3 OT
Bemidji State 1 at Denver 3
North Dakota 6 at Nebraska-Omaha 5
Analysis
Bulldogs 6 Badgers 5 O.T. - Last night the Badgers and the Bulldogs played in a wild one as both teams goalies forgot to show up for the game. The game then ended with a horrid blown call and lot of controversy, one must speculate that WCHA official’sbuffoons Brian Thul and Tim Walsh are going to be getting a call from Gregg Shepherd and possibly a reprimand/suspension from the WCHA. Here is what Coach Eaves had to say in the post game presser. s/t Andy Baggot.
I caught the end of the game in question and it wasn’t pretty. Here is what happened: the Bulldogs forward Mike Connolly blatantly tripped a Badger defenseman Jake Gardiner player in the Badger defensive zone causing a turnover which the loose puck was picked up by Bulldog Defenseman Dylan Olson and passed to Bulldog forward Travis Oleksuk who then smartly put the puck between the legs of Badger goaliesieve Brett Bennett.
I know it’s easy to bag on the officials, yes they do have a tough job, but as an on ice official you have to call Mike Connelly for a trip on that play. A rookie ref in the house league up in Canada could make that call without too much trouble. Seriously, every week there is another controversial call that cost a team the game and makes the refs look like a bunch of bumbling buffoons, which have no business officiating intramural broomball at the high school level. While some will say that you can’t blame the refs for the loss, I am going to say that I disagree, if the refs make the correct call maybe the game ends in a tie.
I don’t think it’s unreasonable for the fans, teams and players to expect the WCHA officials to at least be competent and be able to officiate a hockey game without screwing it up on a weekly basis. One could make the argument that the Badger’s goalie didn’t stop the puck, but the play should have been called dead when the Bulldog forward touched the puck. The thing that really makes the official look bad was after the game I am sure they realized that they had blown the call so they decided to review the goal and see if there was anyway that they could wave the goal off.
I mean you have to give double kudos for the Bulldog players for continuing the play and scoring the goal in overtime as the Bulldogs continue to get the bounces in overtime.
Denver 3 Bemidji State 1 – I was able to watch the last two periods of the BSU and DU game on Fox College Sports and the Denver University Freshman goalie Sam Brittain was awesome in net for the Denver Pioneers again. In a season where the goaltending in the WCHA hasn’t been all that great, the Pioneers for the most part have found their replacement for Chevy in net.
Alaska Anchorage 3 St. Cloud State 2 OT – The hockey blogger from Delusions of Grandeur must have soiled himself after his beloved UAA Seawolves beat the SCSU Huskies in a midnight hockey game up in Anchorage Alaska. UAA Mitch Bruijsten scored at the 3:34 mark of overtime. Mike Lee from SCSU took the loss in net for the Huskies and his record dropped to 3-4-1 on the season.
North Dakota 6 Nebraska-Omaha 5 – The Fighting Sioux won a game after being down going into the third period. Matt Frattin continued his torrid pace as he scored his 11th and 12 goals of the season and is now tied with Niagara University’s Paul Zanette, both players have 12 goals on the season. That was the 22nd goal in the last 25 games for Frattin.
The game was the first ever match up between the Mavericks and the Sioux. The Maverick’s top line of Broadhurst, Hudson and Ambroz had 5 points on the night. The line of Malone, Trupp and Nelson had 5 points on the night for the Fighting Sioux.
Every week Goal Gophers predicts the series results for each WCHA series, this week Roman's side kick Austin Cumblad from the Minnesota Daily picked the Mavericks to sweep the Sioux. UND is 3-0-0 so far the past two weeks when being picked to be swept by one of the Goal Gophers writers. Personally, I would like them to continue making those predictions. [Click to view the article in question.]
AHA
Air Force 1 at Canisius 1 OT
American Int'l 3 at Army 9
Connecticut 2 at Bentley 3
Holy Cross 7 at Sacred Heart 2
Mercyhurst 3 at Robert Morris 1
RIT 1 at Niagara 4
ECAC
Brown 5 at Colgate 2
Dartmouth 0 at Quinnipiac 2
Harvard 0 at Princeton 1
Yale 4 at Cornell 2
HOCKEY EAST
Boston University 2 at New Hampshire 5
Merrimack 4 at UMass Lowell 3
Maine 0 at Boston College 4
Northeastern 3 at Providence 3 OT
CCHA
Miami 4 at Bowling Green 3
Western Michigan 1 at Ferris State 3
Lake Superior 2 at Michigan 7
Michigan State 2 at Notre Dame 6
Northern Michigan 1 at Alaska 1 OT
WCHA
Minnesota 6 at Michigan Tech 4
Minnesota Duluth 6 at Wisconsin 5 OT
St. Cloud State 2 at Alaska Anchorage 3 OT
Bemidji State 1 at Denver 3
North Dakota 6 at Nebraska-Omaha 5
Analysis
Bulldogs 6 Badgers 5 O.T. - Last night the Badgers and the Bulldogs played in a wild one as both teams goalies forgot to show up for the game. The game then ended with a horrid blown call and lot of controversy, one must speculate that WCHA official’s
Referees Brian Thul and Tim Walsh took their time conferring with the goal judge before confirming the sequence. Eaves said the final moments of the game and the lengthy discussion amounted to “the strangest thing I’ve ever seen.”
“The referee in chief will clearly hear from us and that’s about all I’m going to say about this,” Eaves said, referring to WCHA supervisor of officials Greg Shepherd. [Read the rest of the article]
I caught the end of the game in question and it wasn’t pretty. Here is what happened: the Bulldogs forward Mike Connolly blatantly tripped a Badger defenseman Jake Gardiner player in the Badger defensive zone causing a turnover which the loose puck was picked up by Bulldog Defenseman Dylan Olson and passed to Bulldog forward Travis Oleksuk who then smartly put the puck between the legs of Badger goalie
I know it’s easy to bag on the officials, yes they do have a tough job, but as an on ice official you have to call Mike Connelly for a trip on that play. A rookie ref in the house league up in Canada could make that call without too much trouble. Seriously, every week there is another controversial call that cost a team the game and makes the refs look like a bunch of bumbling buffoons, which have no business officiating intramural broomball at the high school level. While some will say that you can’t blame the refs for the loss, I am going to say that I disagree, if the refs make the correct call maybe the game ends in a tie.
I don’t think it’s unreasonable for the fans, teams and players to expect the WCHA officials to at least be competent and be able to officiate a hockey game without screwing it up on a weekly basis. One could make the argument that the Badger’s goalie didn’t stop the puck, but the play should have been called dead when the Bulldog forward touched the puck. The thing that really makes the official look bad was after the game I am sure they realized that they had blown the call so they decided to review the goal and see if there was anyway that they could wave the goal off.
I mean you have to give double kudos for the Bulldog players for continuing the play and scoring the goal in overtime as the Bulldogs continue to get the bounces in overtime.
Denver 3 Bemidji State 1 – I was able to watch the last two periods of the BSU and DU game on Fox College Sports and the Denver University Freshman goalie Sam Brittain was awesome in net for the Denver Pioneers again. In a season where the goaltending in the WCHA hasn’t been all that great, the Pioneers for the most part have found their replacement for Chevy in net.
Alaska Anchorage 3 St. Cloud State 2 OT – The hockey blogger from Delusions of Grandeur must have soiled himself after his beloved UAA Seawolves beat the SCSU Huskies in a midnight hockey game up in Anchorage Alaska. UAA Mitch Bruijsten scored at the 3:34 mark of overtime. Mike Lee from SCSU took the loss in net for the Huskies and his record dropped to 3-4-1 on the season.
North Dakota 6 Nebraska-Omaha 5 – The Fighting Sioux won a game after being down going into the third period. Matt Frattin continued his torrid pace as he scored his 11th and 12 goals of the season and is now tied with Niagara University’s Paul Zanette, both players have 12 goals on the season. That was the 22nd goal in the last 25 games for Frattin.
The game was the first ever match up between the Mavericks and the Sioux. The Maverick’s top line of Broadhurst, Hudson and Ambroz had 5 points on the night. The line of Malone, Trupp and Nelson had 5 points on the night for the Fighting Sioux.
Every week Goal Gophers predicts the series results for each WCHA series, this week Roman's side kick Austin Cumblad from the Minnesota Daily picked the Mavericks to sweep the Sioux. UND is 3-0-0 so far the past two weeks when being picked to be swept by one of the Goal Gophers writers. Personally, I would like them to continue making those predictions. [Click to view the article in question.]
Austin: I remember it clearly, Roman. We were sitting in the press box at Moosh watching UNO bully the Gophers in a two-game sweep [early this season]. "How good are the Mavericks?" we both asked. Well, they're still unbeaten in the WCHA and ranked fourth in the country. We have our answer. UND was impressive against the Badgers last weekend; 16 shots allowed per game? Seriously? That's some defense. But, I'm going with the unbeaten team until it backfires, so I'll say ... UNO sweepsMinnesota 6 Michigan Tech 4 - Mike Hoeffel scored twice to lead the Minnesota Gophers to a 6-4 victory over the MTU Huskies. Apparently the crew at FSN doesn’t think it’s worth while going to Houghton, Michigan to see the game and broadcast it back to the fans in the Upper Midwest. The Gophers didn’t send their beat writer either.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Live thoughts: Game 1 vs. UNO
Ok, I went to the Qwest Center for my first live Sioux game since I moved to Omaha and I can say... well... we won....
Goaltending
Goon hit it right on. Eidsness isn't a bad goaltender when he's on... but the man's got a self-confidence problem the size of North America. The first goal happened right in front of me. Genoway "sorta" dives and the puck deflects off of his leg right onto the blade of a UNO player and it goes in. Yes, it was weak, but it would have been avoided had Genoway simply dove traditionally instead of the kind of slide one usually sees baserunners do going into second base. Oops! Sorry. Eidsness' fault. Sorry to pick on a fan favorite who can do no wrong. {/off soapbox}
The goals as I saw it? I already spoke about the first goal. The second and fourth goals were weak on Eidsness' fault. The third goal was simply sniped in. There wasn't much of an angle for Montpetit to shoot at and he threaded the needle (at least from my angle it looked like it did). Doesn't excuse Eidsness but... I was lenient on that one. Eidsness' second goal and Dell's lone goal he gave up have one thing in common though: If you had your stick square to the shooter, neither pucks would have gone in.
Funny thing..... UNO's goaltender started to imitate Eidsness as the game wore on. He played ok in the First Period (though UND only managed 6 shots on goal of which 2 were really genuine scoring chances). Genoway's wraparound was a complete joke. Yeah, it counts, but what Faulkner was doing while Genoway was going around the net was anyone's guess. If I were Blais, I would have called a time out right after that goal and yanked him. Seriously, Genoway had an open net to tuck the puck into.
I'd play Dell tomorrow (obviously going to happen but just in case anyone was wondering) and I'd actually play Faulkner's backup as well.
Defense
Andrej Sustr is big. Like, Joe Finley big.... And had he wore UND green, people would hate him. He wasn't physical.... at all.
In any case, UND's bread and butter was supposed to be their defense. Yeah well.... unless we can count on scoring 6 goals per game, defensive "performances" like this won't win us many games. Though goaltending was rather subpar tonight, UNO scored on rebounds. We didn't protect the front of the net and they beat us to the rebounds. The first period was just embarrassing.
Special Teams
Our powerplay sucked. Sorry guys. I don't recall if we ever scored on the powerplay, but I told my friend I went with that we should go down a man more often to produce more offense rather than up a man.
Our shorty was a great goal but it was a greater lapse by UNO's powerplay that made it possible. They simply looked so put out by our PK unit that, when the rush started, they simply seemed to sit back and watch. Boom. Goal.
Our PK was dominant. Funny how well we play defensively when we were down a man but we couldn't handle 5 on 5 defense... or maybe UNO's powerplay simply sucks.
Offense
We played VERY well offensively.... for the last half of the game. The first half of the game we were so squeamish and worried about UNO that, even if there was a slight possibility of UNO taking possession, UND would fall back. We seemed preoccupied rather than confident. Hiccups offensively happen and defense usually picks up the slack. No defense was there to be had so all that was there to pick up the slack was our goaltender and he had no confidence. I guess that's what went down.
Oh, Frattin is great and I'm SUPER happy Kristo finally gets his goal.
UNO was fast... very fast. I actually thought at times they were faster than we were. The UNO fans that sat behind me stated that UNO is typically a Saturday team and...well... Name a Dean Blais team that didn't seem to be better on Saturday than on Friday.
The Experience
Though I was supposedly on the UND side of the arena, I wasn't around many Sioux fans. However, I did get to see the dark side of UND fandom. I witnessed a very passionate UNO fan sitting one row in front of me get verbally abused (albeit very briefly so) by a UND fan after UNO got called for a penalty that shouldn't have been called (more on this later). He was right. He was angry. But his verbal outcry was against the refs, not UND or its fans. It was embarrassing to me. The UNO fans I was sitting around were very nice to me. It didn't seem warranted. Look, I know we've a right to speak our feelings and defend our team, but do it with class... and know your place. We're in Omaha right now and this isn't our home territory. Remember we are guests in the Qwest Center and, though we're not here to cheer UNO to victory, nor should be we expected to be happy if things don't go our way, we need to act with some level of class and civility in our host's "house."
I'm not lucky enough to be sitting with those nice people (UNO fans they may be) tomorrow, but I can't wait to go again.
By the way, no way there was almost 11,500 people there. No way. And their intermission entertainment was mostly good. The No Frills "Let's Make a Deal" spinoff was lame. The races they had were actually kindof fun. The video before the third period was SPECTACULAR. I wish UND had that instead of the stupid Tostito/Cloverdale Meats/Altru commercials... which, by the way, there were NO ads on the Jumbotron pretty much all game.
Getting out of the Qwest sucked though.
The Officiating
I don't know who these bums were but.... They sucked. BIG TIME. The AR's seemed to be out of shape and sluggish. They seemed to always get in the way. They also factored into some pretty bad officiating calls. First, the penalty that shouldn't have been. Yes, UNO's #12 elbowed a UND player (I didn't catch who). Yes, it was a penalty... or was it? No, it wasn't. Why? Because UND was WAY THE HELL offsides. No Call. UND also got a gift icing called when UNO actually had the inside track on the puck (though he was about a half step behind the UND player). There were some BS calls that actually went UND's way (for once). I couldn't believe it. The officiating had the Mavs fan in front of me almost in the state of cardiac arrest. He looked so darned mad it was amazing. Still can't help but wonder what the WCHA would be like if we had quality officiating.
My Three Stars
First Star: Matt Frattin
Second Star: Brad Malone
Third Star: Alex Hudson
UNO had our number and nearly beat us. Tomorrow's game will come down to adjustments. Whoever makes the better adjustments tomorrow will win the game. At this point, I don't know who will win.
Goaltending
Goon hit it right on. Eidsness isn't a bad goaltender when he's on... but the man's got a self-confidence problem the size of North America. The first goal happened right in front of me. Genoway "sorta" dives and the puck deflects off of his leg right onto the blade of a UNO player and it goes in. Yes, it was weak, but it would have been avoided had Genoway simply dove traditionally instead of the kind of slide one usually sees baserunners do going into second base. Oops! Sorry. Eidsness' fault. Sorry to pick on a fan favorite who can do no wrong. {/off soapbox}
The goals as I saw it? I already spoke about the first goal. The second and fourth goals were weak on Eidsness' fault. The third goal was simply sniped in. There wasn't much of an angle for Montpetit to shoot at and he threaded the needle (at least from my angle it looked like it did). Doesn't excuse Eidsness but... I was lenient on that one. Eidsness' second goal and Dell's lone goal he gave up have one thing in common though: If you had your stick square to the shooter, neither pucks would have gone in.
Funny thing..... UNO's goaltender started to imitate Eidsness as the game wore on. He played ok in the First Period (though UND only managed 6 shots on goal of which 2 were really genuine scoring chances). Genoway's wraparound was a complete joke. Yeah, it counts, but what Faulkner was doing while Genoway was going around the net was anyone's guess. If I were Blais, I would have called a time out right after that goal and yanked him. Seriously, Genoway had an open net to tuck the puck into.
I'd play Dell tomorrow (obviously going to happen but just in case anyone was wondering) and I'd actually play Faulkner's backup as well.
Defense
Andrej Sustr is big. Like, Joe Finley big.... And had he wore UND green, people would hate him. He wasn't physical.... at all.
In any case, UND's bread and butter was supposed to be their defense. Yeah well.... unless we can count on scoring 6 goals per game, defensive "performances" like this won't win us many games. Though goaltending was rather subpar tonight, UNO scored on rebounds. We didn't protect the front of the net and they beat us to the rebounds. The first period was just embarrassing.
Special Teams
Our powerplay sucked. Sorry guys. I don't recall if we ever scored on the powerplay, but I told my friend I went with that we should go down a man more often to produce more offense rather than up a man.
Our shorty was a great goal but it was a greater lapse by UNO's powerplay that made it possible. They simply looked so put out by our PK unit that, when the rush started, they simply seemed to sit back and watch. Boom. Goal.
Our PK was dominant. Funny how well we play defensively when we were down a man but we couldn't handle 5 on 5 defense... or maybe UNO's powerplay simply sucks.
Offense
We played VERY well offensively.... for the last half of the game. The first half of the game we were so squeamish and worried about UNO that, even if there was a slight possibility of UNO taking possession, UND would fall back. We seemed preoccupied rather than confident. Hiccups offensively happen and defense usually picks up the slack. No defense was there to be had so all that was there to pick up the slack was our goaltender and he had no confidence. I guess that's what went down.
Oh, Frattin is great and I'm SUPER happy Kristo finally gets his goal.
UNO was fast... very fast. I actually thought at times they were faster than we were. The UNO fans that sat behind me stated that UNO is typically a Saturday team and...well... Name a Dean Blais team that didn't seem to be better on Saturday than on Friday.
The Experience
Though I was supposedly on the UND side of the arena, I wasn't around many Sioux fans. However, I did get to see the dark side of UND fandom. I witnessed a very passionate UNO fan sitting one row in front of me get verbally abused (albeit very briefly so) by a UND fan after UNO got called for a penalty that shouldn't have been called (more on this later). He was right. He was angry. But his verbal outcry was against the refs, not UND or its fans. It was embarrassing to me. The UNO fans I was sitting around were very nice to me. It didn't seem warranted. Look, I know we've a right to speak our feelings and defend our team, but do it with class... and know your place. We're in Omaha right now and this isn't our home territory. Remember we are guests in the Qwest Center and, though we're not here to cheer UNO to victory, nor should be we expected to be happy if things don't go our way, we need to act with some level of class and civility in our host's "house."
I'm not lucky enough to be sitting with those nice people (UNO fans they may be) tomorrow, but I can't wait to go again.
By the way, no way there was almost 11,500 people there. No way. And their intermission entertainment was mostly good. The No Frills "Let's Make a Deal" spinoff was lame. The races they had were actually kindof fun. The video before the third period was SPECTACULAR. I wish UND had that instead of the stupid Tostito/Cloverdale Meats/Altru commercials... which, by the way, there were NO ads on the Jumbotron pretty much all game.
Getting out of the Qwest sucked though.
The Officiating
I don't know who these bums were but.... They sucked. BIG TIME. The AR's seemed to be out of shape and sluggish. They seemed to always get in the way. They also factored into some pretty bad officiating calls. First, the penalty that shouldn't have been. Yes, UNO's #12 elbowed a UND player (I didn't catch who). Yes, it was a penalty... or was it? No, it wasn't. Why? Because UND was WAY THE HELL offsides. No Call. UND also got a gift icing called when UNO actually had the inside track on the puck (though he was about a half step behind the UND player). There were some BS calls that actually went UND's way (for once). I couldn't believe it. The officiating had the Mavs fan in front of me almost in the state of cardiac arrest. He looked so darned mad it was amazing. Still can't help but wonder what the WCHA would be like if we had quality officiating.
My Three Stars
First Star: Matt Frattin
Second Star: Brad Malone
Third Star: Alex Hudson
UNO had our number and nearly beat us. Tomorrow's game will come down to adjustments. Whoever makes the better adjustments tomorrow will win the game. At this point, I don't know who will win.
Sioux 6 UNO 5
If you had a heart condition you might not want to watch tomorrow night’s game. Tonight’s game was up and down the ice, classic race horse hockey. Personally, I would much rather watch a game like this than a trap feast any day.
As far as the Sioux goaltending goes, I don’t know what happened to junior goalie Brad Eidsness over the summer but he appears to have a serious confidence problem right now, at times it looks like he can't stop a beach ball. I would say that Brad Eidsness would probably like to have the first goal, second goal and third goals back, because those weren't good goals and an Brad Eidsness on his game would have probably would have saved two out of three of those shots. The fourth Maverick goal was a case of the trailing forward picking up the loose change with the defender all over him, it's crashing the net. What do you do? I suppose the goaltender could control the rebound better; I don't know it looks easier from the couch than it does on the ice.
I am sure that Aaron Dell would like to have the fifth Maverick goal back as well as it went through the five hole but it didn't cost the Sioux the game because Dell came up big during the third period.
Road Warriors
The Sioux have won three straight games on the road. The Sioux have a 5-2-1 record on the road and a 2-2 record at home. Of those five wins on the road the Sioux have given up 2 or less goals. During the two losses on the road the Sioux have given four or more goals. This is only the fourth time that UND had given up four or more goals and they have a 1-2-1 record in those games.
Goon's three stars of the game
1.) Matt Frattin 2-1-3
2.) Chay Genoway 1-1-2
3.) Derek Forbort 0-2-2
[Official Box Score]
Period 1
UNO 0 - 1 Rich Purslow Eric Olimb / Joey Martin 02:37 EV
UNO 0 - 2 Joey Martin Matt White / Michael Young 14:43 EV
Period 2
UND 1 - 2 Matt Frattin Evan Trupp / Chay Genoway 01:38 SH
UND 2 - 2 Jake Marto Evan Trupp / Matt Frattin 06:50 EV
UNO 2 - 3 Brock Montpetit 11:24 EV
UND 3 - 3 Mike Cichy Brad Malone / Derek Forbort 17:18 PP
UNO 3 - 4 Terry Broadhurst Alex Hudson / Eric Olimb 18:32 EV
Period 3
UND 4 - 4 Matt Frattin Derek Forbort 07:10 EV
UND 5 - 4 Chay Genoway Brad Malone 13:52 EV
UND 6 - 4 Danny Kristo Derek Rodwell / Brad Malone 14:26 EV
UNO 6 - 5 Alex Hudson Terry Broadhurst / Matt Ambroz 16:56 EV
As far as the Sioux goaltending goes, I don’t know what happened to junior goalie Brad Eidsness over the summer but he appears to have a serious confidence problem right now, at times it looks like he can't stop a beach ball. I would say that Brad Eidsness would probably like to have the first goal, second goal and third goals back, because those weren't good goals and an Brad Eidsness on his game would have probably would have saved two out of three of those shots. The fourth Maverick goal was a case of the trailing forward picking up the loose change with the defender all over him, it's crashing the net. What do you do? I suppose the goaltender could control the rebound better; I don't know it looks easier from the couch than it does on the ice.
I am sure that Aaron Dell would like to have the fifth Maverick goal back as well as it went through the five hole but it didn't cost the Sioux the game because Dell came up big during the third period.
Road Warriors
The Sioux have won three straight games on the road. The Sioux have a 5-2-1 record on the road and a 2-2 record at home. Of those five wins on the road the Sioux have given up 2 or less goals. During the two losses on the road the Sioux have given four or more goals. This is only the fourth time that UND had given up four or more goals and they have a 1-2-1 record in those games.
Goon's three stars of the game
1.) Matt Frattin 2-1-3
2.) Chay Genoway 1-1-2
3.) Derek Forbort 0-2-2
[Official Box Score]
Period 1
UNO 0 - 1 Rich Purslow Eric Olimb / Joey Martin 02:37 EV
UNO 0 - 2 Joey Martin Matt White / Michael Young 14:43 EV
Period 2
UND 1 - 2 Matt Frattin Evan Trupp / Chay Genoway 01:38 SH
UND 2 - 2 Jake Marto Evan Trupp / Matt Frattin 06:50 EV
UNO 2 - 3 Brock Montpetit 11:24 EV
UND 3 - 3 Mike Cichy Brad Malone / Derek Forbort 17:18 PP
UNO 3 - 4 Terry Broadhurst Alex Hudson / Eric Olimb 18:32 EV
Period 3
UND 4 - 4 Matt Frattin Derek Forbort 07:10 EV
UND 5 - 4 Chay Genoway Brad Malone 13:52 EV
UND 6 - 4 Danny Kristo Derek Rodwell / Brad Malone 14:26 EV
UNO 6 - 5 Alex Hudson Terry Broadhurst / Matt Ambroz 16:56 EV
UND and UNO lines (MacWilliam back tonight)
The lines have been posted for the gameby Brad. First it looks like no additional discipline for Hextall and or Joe Gleason. Brad Eidsness is back in net for the Sioux. Sophomore defenseman Andrew MacWilliam is back after missing 4 games with a illness that was believed to be mono.
Sioux lines
17 Jason Gregoire (4g-6a-10pts)10 Corban Knight (7g-6a-13pts) 26 Brett Hextall (2g-4a-6pts)
11 Derek Rodwell(3g–0a-3pts) 22 Brad Malone(2g-3a-5tps) 7 Danny Kristo (0g-3a-3pts)
19 Evan Trupp (3g-6a-9pts)29 Brock Nelson (1g-3a-4pts) 21 Matt Frattin (10g-2a-12pts)
8 Mike Cichy (1g-1a-2pts)9 Mario Lamoureux (0g-3a-3pts) 20 Joe Gleason (0g-0a-0pts)
Defense
24 Ben Blood (1-0-1) 5 Chay Genoway (1g-8a-9pts)
3 Derrick LaPoint (0g-3a-3pts) 25 Jake Marto (1g-1a-2pts)
2 Andrew MacWilliam (0g-0a-0tps) 4 Derek Forbort (0g-5a-5tps)
Goalies
Brad Eidsness
32 Aaron Dell
[Sioux Stats]
Omaha’s lines
9 Rich Purslow(4g-10a-14pts)14 Joey Martin (2g-9a-11pts) 21 Matt White (6g-5a-11pts)
17 Terry Broad Hurst(4g-7a-11pts)26 Alex Hudson (4g-7a-11pts) 27 Matt Ambroz (7g-4a-11pts)
19 Ryan Walters (4g-3a-7pts)12 Brock Montpetit (2g-4a-6pts)13Zahn Raubenheimer (4g-3a-7pts)
16 Johnnie Searfoss (4g-1a-5pts) 20 Brandon Richardson(0g-1a-1pts)–25 Brent Gwidt (1g-2a-3pts)
Defense
6 Pasko Skarica (0g-3a-3pts) 3 Andrej Sustr (1g-4a-5pts)
7 Mike Young (0-g3a-3pts) 23 Eric Olimbn 0g-8a-8pts)
2 Matt Smith (0g-1a-2pts) 24 Bryce Aneloski (1g-4a-5pts)
Goalies
30 John Faulkner
34 Mike Taffe
35 Fredrik Bergman
[Mavericks' Stats]
Sioux lines
17 Jason Gregoire (4g-6a-10pts)10 Corban Knight (7g-6a-13pts) 26 Brett Hextall (2g-4a-6pts)
11 Derek Rodwell(3g–0a-3pts) 22 Brad Malone(2g-3a-5tps) 7 Danny Kristo (0g-3a-3pts)
19 Evan Trupp (3g-6a-9pts)29 Brock Nelson (1g-3a-4pts) 21 Matt Frattin (10g-2a-12pts)
8 Mike Cichy (1g-1a-2pts)9 Mario Lamoureux (0g-3a-3pts) 20 Joe Gleason (0g-0a-0pts)
Defense
24 Ben Blood (1-0-1) 5 Chay Genoway (1g-8a-9pts)
3 Derrick LaPoint (0g-3a-3pts) 25 Jake Marto (1g-1a-2pts)
2 Andrew MacWilliam (0g-0a-0tps) 4 Derek Forbort (0g-5a-5tps)
Goalies
Brad Eidsness
32 Aaron Dell
[Sioux Stats]
Omaha’s lines
9 Rich Purslow(4g-10a-14pts)14 Joey Martin (2g-9a-11pts) 21 Matt White (6g-5a-11pts)
17 Terry Broad Hurst(4g-7a-11pts)26 Alex Hudson (4g-7a-11pts) 27 Matt Ambroz (7g-4a-11pts)
19 Ryan Walters (4g-3a-7pts)12 Brock Montpetit (2g-4a-6pts)13Zahn Raubenheimer (4g-3a-7pts)
16 Johnnie Searfoss (4g-1a-5pts) 20 Brandon Richardson(0g-1a-1pts)–25 Brent Gwidt (1g-2a-3pts)
Defense
6 Pasko Skarica (0g-3a-3pts) 3 Andrej Sustr (1g-4a-5pts)
7 Mike Young (0-g3a-3pts) 23 Eric Olimbn 0g-8a-8pts)
2 Matt Smith (0g-1a-2pts) 24 Bryce Aneloski (1g-4a-5pts)
Goalies
30 John Faulkner
34 Mike Taffe
35 Fredrik Bergman
[Mavericks' Stats]
UNO - UND series (by Sioux 7)
I found this article over on [Omaha.com].
Blais believes that UND (7-4-1, 6-2-0) is the best team in the country. They were ranked No. 2 in the preseason polls. The Sioux — who traditionally do their most damage during the second half of the season — were the near-unanimous pick to win the WCHA in 2010-11. Few would be surprised if coach Dave Hakstol’s squad claims the school’s eighth NCAA championship in April.
The Sioux should arrive in Omaha as a confident group, too. They swept No. 15 Wisconsin on the road last weekend — only the second time UND has accomplished that feat in the 12-year history of the Badgers’ Kohl Center. North Dakota is off to its best eight-game WCHA start since 2003-04.
“We’ve played some pretty good hockey, but we’re a long way from where we need to be,” Hakstol said prior to UND’s practice Thursday in Omaha. “We’re slowly getting better, and I like that about our team. Coming into the season, I think everybody wanted to stamp us as some kind of finished product. That’s just not the case. Like everyone else, we’re just trying to get better every weekend — and this weekend, we’re probably playing the best team we’ve played so far.”
Blais believes that UND (7-4-1, 6-2-0) is the best team in the country. They were ranked No. 2 in the preseason polls. The Sioux — who traditionally do their most damage during the second half of the season — were the near-unanimous pick to win the WCHA in 2010-11. Few would be surprised if coach Dave Hakstol’s squad claims the school’s eighth NCAA championship in April.
The Sioux should arrive in Omaha as a confident group, too. They swept No. 15 Wisconsin on the road last weekend — only the second time UND has accomplished that feat in the 12-year history of the Badgers’ Kohl Center. North Dakota is off to its best eight-game WCHA start since 2003-04.
“We’ve played some pretty good hockey, but we’re a long way from where we need to be,” Hakstol said prior to UND’s practice Thursday in Omaha. “We’re slowly getting better, and I like that about our team. Coming into the season, I think everybody wanted to stamp us as some kind of finished product. That’s just not the case. Like everyone else, we’re just trying to get better every weekend — and this weekend, we’re probably playing the best team we’ve played so far.”
Thursday, November 18, 2010
A couple of things.
This weekends Fighting Sioux hockey games are not FCS/FSSN. The only way you will be able to watch the games is to purchase the web cast from B2tv.com. [Click link to purchase]
For the life of me I can’t understand why these games can't be picked up by FSSN? All they would have to do is broadcast the B2 broadcast over the FSSN. That being said, not all is lost though, just log on to the link provided above and you can hook up an s-video cord from computer to your TV. During October, I watched the Maine Black Bearsslaughter/debacle game that way and it worked out pretty well.
Blais not going to Minnesota
Those who like to speculate that Dean Blais is going to be the next coach of the Golden Rodents when Lucia gets fired, you might want to re-think that assessment. Brad Schlossman had this little nugget in his Wednesday update.
For the life of me I can’t understand why these games can't be picked up by FSSN? All they would have to do is broadcast the B2 broadcast over the FSSN. That being said, not all is lost though, just log on to the link provided above and you can hook up an s-video cord from computer to your TV. During October, I watched the Maine Black Bears
Blais not going to Minnesota
Those who like to speculate that Dean Blais is going to be the next coach of the Golden Rodents when Lucia gets fired, you might want to re-think that assessment. Brad Schlossman had this little nugget in his Wednesday update.
Blais again said he plans to coach at Omaha for five years. Then, he said he wants to retire and spend more time with his grandchildren.
“I pretty much have had the best college job in the country already,” he said.
Weekend Match-Ups (by Sioux 7)
The Bulldogs are still on top of this week’s league standings followed by the Sioux, UNO and DU. It’s hard to believe we have already completed a quarter of the league games. Looking at the standings and you’ll notice that only 5 points separate 5th place from 12th. Right now it looks to be four team (UMD, UND, UNO, DU) race for the McNaughton Cup, with two teams looking for a top half finish (SCSU & UW). We have the usual suspects in the basement, MTU and UAA, ugh. Yet again, we only have 5 series on the schedule this weekend.
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Minnesota-Duluth....6-1-1…13
2. North Dakota………6-2-0…12
3. Nebraska-Omaha…5-0-1…11
3. Denver……………...5-2-1…11
5. Wisconsin…………..3-3-2…8
6. Minnesota…………..3-4-1…7
7. Minnesota State…...2-6-2…6
8. St. Cloud State….....2-3-1…5
8. Bemidji State……….2-5-1…5
10. Colorado College…..2-4-0…4
11. Alaska-Anchorage...1-4-1…3
12. Michigan Tech……..1-4-1…3
Here’s the penalty minutes (WCHA games only) teams have acquired this season.
TEAM………………PEN-for-MIN….MIN/GAME
1 Michigan Tech……….41-for-128….21.33
2 Denver………………..52-for-118….16.86
3 Minnesota State……..65-for-149….16.56
4 Nebraska-Omaha……42-for-95….15.83
5 North Dakota…………39-for-122….15.25
6 Colorado College…….36-for-91….15.17
7 Bemidji State………….51-for-121….15.12
8 Minnesota-Duluth……42-for-103….12.88
9 St. Cloud State……….36-for-72…..12.00
9 Wisconsin…………….48-for-96…..12.00
11 Minnesota……………44-for-88….11.00
12 Alaska-Anchorage…..25-for-61….10.17
If you look at the overall penalty minutes, all games, the Sioux are tied for 1st with 220 minutes (with Northern Michigan). Wisconsin would be 6th with 199 minutes, and Nebraska-Omaha would be 7th with 195 minutes, and it drops off from there.
WCHA
#19 Minnesota @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend the Gophers had a free weekend (maybe they had a snowball fight or built snowmen with all the snow that feel there) and the Huskies were swept by the Bulldogs in Duluth.
The Gophers are off to another ho-hum start at about a five hundred record. Looking at the attendance numbers, it shows that they are not putting as many butts in the seats as usual. The Huskies have but their own butts in seats, the penalty box seats, that is. MTU is averaging the most penalty minutes per game in the league. The Gophers need to get off their butts this weekend and capitalize on their power play. In order to get the power play, the Gophers will need to move their feet and crash net, forcing the Huskies to take some penalties. GOPHERS 3-pts
#8 North Dakota @ #4 Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the Sioux swept the Badgers in Madison and the UNO Mavericks took 3-pts from the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.
This is the marquee matchup of the weekend. Not just because both teams are ranked, but because the Sioux will be playing against their old coach, Dean Blais. I liked Blais when he coached at UND, he did well and got the Sioux back up to a national powerhouse again. Now he has got his new team, the UNO Mavericks, doing well in their first year in the WCHA. With both teams liking to hit and skate, this should be a humdinger of a weekend in Omaha. UNO is the only WCHA team yet to lose a league game, while the Sioux have dropped two, one to DU and one to UMD. I just hope I can find the games on TV somewhere this weekend, ‘cause I really want to watch these tilts. I’m going to take the easy pick here, SPLIT.
#1 Minnesota-Duluth @ #15 Wisconsin
Last weekend the Bulldogs swept the MTU Huskies in Duluth and the Badgers were swept by the Sioux in Madison.
The Bulldogs have had an easy schedule to this point, excluding UND, and haven’t left many points on the table. It could be a little harder for them this weekend as they visit the Badgers. This will be the first games on the big sheet (Olympic size) of ice for the Bulldogs this year. The Badgers will be looking to avenge last weekend’s lack luster performances. The Badgers will need to pick up the offense this series and put more shots on net, if they want to get some points. The Bulldogs will need to find a way to get quality shots on the Badger net. Wisconsin has a real good set of d-men and could cause problems for the Bulldogs. SPLIT.
Bemidji State @ #13 Denver
Last weekend the Beavers split with the Seawolves in Bemidji and the Pioneers swept the MSUM Mavericks in Denver.
The Beavers will be making their first WCHA appearance in Denver for a pair of games. BSU is off to a rough start in their first WCHA season, of course they have played the top two teams in the league (UMD and UND). The Pioneers got some need points last weekend to keep up with the other league leaders. DU bounced back nicely last weekend after getting drubbed by rival CC the previous Saturday. The Beavers put up 8 goals and the Pioneers put up 9 goals last weekend. If both offenses can put those numbers up this weekend, this could be a fun series. SPLIT.
St. Cloud State @ Alaska Anchorage
Last weekend the Huskies got 1-pt at home against the UNO Mavericks in St. Cloud and the Seawolves split with the Beavers in Bemidji.
The Huskies have yet to live up to the preseason predictions. And if they don’t get their dogsled moving this weekend, they will have a steep trail to mush-up. This really is a must sweep series for SCSU, in my opinon. The Seawolves play hard, but just don’t have the high end talent of other WCHA schools. If SCSU wants to be a top tier team this year, you need to take points from the bottom teams, and I mean at least 3 points. (UMD has got their points from the bottom teams.) SPLIT.
BYE WEEK
Minnesota State University – Mankato – Mavericks
Colorado College – Tigers
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Minnesota-Duluth....6-1-1…13
2. North Dakota………6-2-0…12
3. Nebraska-Omaha…5-0-1…11
3. Denver……………...5-2-1…11
5. Wisconsin…………..3-3-2…8
6. Minnesota…………..3-4-1…7
7. Minnesota State…...2-6-2…6
8. St. Cloud State….....2-3-1…5
8. Bemidji State……….2-5-1…5
10. Colorado College…..2-4-0…4
11. Alaska-Anchorage...1-4-1…3
12. Michigan Tech……..1-4-1…3
Here’s the penalty minutes (WCHA games only) teams have acquired this season.
TEAM………………PEN-for-MIN….MIN/GAME
1 Michigan Tech……….41-for-128….21.33
2 Denver………………..52-for-118….16.86
3 Minnesota State……..65-for-149….16.56
4 Nebraska-Omaha……42-for-95….15.83
5 North Dakota…………39-for-122….15.25
6 Colorado College…….36-for-91….15.17
7 Bemidji State………….51-for-121….15.12
8 Minnesota-Duluth……42-for-103….12.88
9 St. Cloud State……….36-for-72…..12.00
9 Wisconsin…………….48-for-96…..12.00
11 Minnesota……………44-for-88….11.00
12 Alaska-Anchorage…..25-for-61….10.17
If you look at the overall penalty minutes, all games, the Sioux are tied for 1st with 220 minutes (with Northern Michigan). Wisconsin would be 6th with 199 minutes, and Nebraska-Omaha would be 7th with 195 minutes, and it drops off from there.
WCHA
#19 Minnesota @ Michigan Tech
Last weekend the Gophers had a free weekend (maybe they had a snowball fight or built snowmen with all the snow that feel there) and the Huskies were swept by the Bulldogs in Duluth.
The Gophers are off to another ho-hum start at about a five hundred record. Looking at the attendance numbers, it shows that they are not putting as many butts in the seats as usual. The Huskies have but their own butts in seats, the penalty box seats, that is. MTU is averaging the most penalty minutes per game in the league. The Gophers need to get off their butts this weekend and capitalize on their power play. In order to get the power play, the Gophers will need to move their feet and crash net, forcing the Huskies to take some penalties. GOPHERS 3-pts
#8 North Dakota @ #4 Nebraska-Omaha
Last weekend the Sioux swept the Badgers in Madison and the UNO Mavericks took 3-pts from the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.
This is the marquee matchup of the weekend. Not just because both teams are ranked, but because the Sioux will be playing against their old coach, Dean Blais. I liked Blais when he coached at UND, he did well and got the Sioux back up to a national powerhouse again. Now he has got his new team, the UNO Mavericks, doing well in their first year in the WCHA. With both teams liking to hit and skate, this should be a humdinger of a weekend in Omaha. UNO is the only WCHA team yet to lose a league game, while the Sioux have dropped two, one to DU and one to UMD. I just hope I can find the games on TV somewhere this weekend, ‘cause I really want to watch these tilts. I’m going to take the easy pick here, SPLIT.
#1 Minnesota-Duluth @ #15 Wisconsin
Last weekend the Bulldogs swept the MTU Huskies in Duluth and the Badgers were swept by the Sioux in Madison.
The Bulldogs have had an easy schedule to this point, excluding UND, and haven’t left many points on the table. It could be a little harder for them this weekend as they visit the Badgers. This will be the first games on the big sheet (Olympic size) of ice for the Bulldogs this year. The Badgers will be looking to avenge last weekend’s lack luster performances. The Badgers will need to pick up the offense this series and put more shots on net, if they want to get some points. The Bulldogs will need to find a way to get quality shots on the Badger net. Wisconsin has a real good set of d-men and could cause problems for the Bulldogs. SPLIT.
Bemidji State @ #13 Denver
Last weekend the Beavers split with the Seawolves in Bemidji and the Pioneers swept the MSUM Mavericks in Denver.
The Beavers will be making their first WCHA appearance in Denver for a pair of games. BSU is off to a rough start in their first WCHA season, of course they have played the top two teams in the league (UMD and UND). The Pioneers got some need points last weekend to keep up with the other league leaders. DU bounced back nicely last weekend after getting drubbed by rival CC the previous Saturday. The Beavers put up 8 goals and the Pioneers put up 9 goals last weekend. If both offenses can put those numbers up this weekend, this could be a fun series. SPLIT.
St. Cloud State @ Alaska Anchorage
Last weekend the Huskies got 1-pt at home against the UNO Mavericks in St. Cloud and the Seawolves split with the Beavers in Bemidji.
The Huskies have yet to live up to the preseason predictions. And if they don’t get their dogsled moving this weekend, they will have a steep trail to mush-up. This really is a must sweep series for SCSU, in my opinon. The Seawolves play hard, but just don’t have the high end talent of other WCHA schools. If SCSU wants to be a top tier team this year, you need to take points from the bottom teams, and I mean at least 3 points. (UMD has got their points from the bottom teams.) SPLIT.
BYE WEEK
Minnesota State University – Mankato – Mavericks
Colorado College – Tigers
If you're looking for a good laugh
I know the only polls that matter are the PWR/RPI on selection Sunday in March and the final poll at the end of the season, however, if you're looking for a good laugh pursue this top 20 from the ECAC hockey writer.
My Top 20
1. Nebraska-Omaha 8-1-1
2. Minnesota Duluth 9-1-2
3. Boston University 6-0-4
4. Maine 6-1-3
5. New Hampshire 5-1-3
6. Yale 5-1-0
7. North Dakota 7-4-1
8. Miami 6-3-3
9. Michigan State
10. Notre Dame 7-3-1
11. Michigan 6-3-3
12. Wisconsin 6-4-2
13. Denver 6-4-2
14. Union 7-2-3
15. Alaska 7-4-1
16. Boston College 6-4-0
17. Colorado College 5-6-1
18. Michigan Tech 3-4-2
19. Western Michigan 6-2-2
20. Robert Morris 7-2-1
My Top 20
1. Nebraska-Omaha 8-1-1
2. Minnesota Duluth 9-1-2
3. Boston University 6-0-4
4. Maine 6-1-3
5. New Hampshire 5-1-3
6. Yale 5-1-0
7. North Dakota 7-4-1
8. Miami 6-3-3
9. Michigan State
10. Notre Dame 7-3-1
11. Michigan 6-3-3
12. Wisconsin 6-4-2
13. Denver 6-4-2
14. Union 7-2-3
15. Alaska 7-4-1
16. Boston College 6-4-0
17. Colorado College 5-6-1
18. Michigan Tech 3-4-2
19. Western Michigan 6-2-2
20. Robert Morris 7-2-1
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Jaroslav Halak scores on himself
Check this out, Halak scores on himself, I am not sure I have ever seen this move. So far this season Halak has been tough to beat, Halak sports a 2.12 GAA and a .918 save percentage with an 8-3-0 record.
A couple of things from the Badgers presser...
There are a few items of interest for Sioux fans from the University of Wisconsin media day press conference. Coach Eaves touches on a Craig Smith snap and also the type of hockey team that UND is.
QUESTION #3: To what extent did the frustrations of the whole weekend kind of boil over in the third period of Saturday's game?
EAVES: Well, you know, it's a 1-0 game and we tie it up in the third period, even though we hadn't played that well. And I think the frustration kind of rose itself through Mr. Smith's actions there. And, you know, that costs us. We had to kill the penalty. And they scored on that power play. And that hurt. And that was a lesson for not only the team but Craig. His virtue sometimes is vice. His great competitiveness is what makes him an excellent hockey player, but when he crosses the line, it hurts him and it hurts our team.
We've seen it in other players we've had here. Ryan McMurchy was that same type of player, Brendan Smith is that same type of player. They've got to learn to handle that and harness that energy, and use it for a positive and not let it run into the negative side. But that's part of our jobs as coaches here is to help these young men understand that.
QUESTION #5: Minnesota-Duluth seemingly has the same type of veteran presence that North Dakota has. What are the different challenges that Duluth will present that perhaps North Dakota did not?
EAVES: Well, I think one of the strengths of North Dakota is their size and physicalness. They play hard like no other in our league. I think Duluth is a little bit different. I think they have better presence and poise with the puck. And so they'll bring that challenge to us. That will be the two differences.
RPI hockey coach suspended for one game by ECAC
Here is a story worth checking out, in fact it's crazy, the head coach of the RPI Engineers Seth Appert was suspended for one game by the ECAC today or showing a video of a controversial call in the post game press conference. I guess that is considered showing up the on ice officials. Check out this story from RPI beat writer Ken Schott.
This brings me to a point, what’s a coach to do about refs when they blow a call, just sit there and take it with a smile on his face? The fans, bloggers and media can pontificate, pick apart and break down bad calls by the officials till they are blue in the face but in some instances a bad call on the ice, have consequences, bad call can cost a team points and inevitably it could keep that team home from the NCAA playoffs or cause them to lose a chance at hosting a first round series in the league playoffs.
For example; just ask Wisconsin how a few bad calls cost them a few year back. Randy Schmidt is no longer officiating in the WCHA because of a few of his bad calls, one of his bad calls cost Wisconsin points in the standings and probably cost them home ice during the 2008 WCHA playoffs, they finished out of the 5th and final spot by one point. Albeit the Badgers might have lost the tie breaker anyways, but you see where this can go.
I have to admit that if I had been the head coach in Appert's shoes I would have done the same thing because there is little room for error when your season is only 34-38 games long.
Parting Shotts ---- The Engineers had a potential tying goal waved off with 7.6 seconds left in the game. Mike Bergin had tipped a Chase Polacek (that is what we were told, although it looks like Nick Bailen did take the shot) past goalie Keith Kinkaid, tying the score at 2-2.Here is the link to the act that got the head coach suspended for this weekend's first game. [click to view the video]
Or so everyone thought. Referee Bryan Hicks immediately waved off he goal and said CJ Lee made contact with Kinkaid.
As we started to question Bailen about the play, Appert, who was off to the side in the media room, interrupted. He brought his laptop to the table, and showed everyone the video.
It was tough to tell, but it didn't appear to be significant contact to warrant the goal being taken away. But give Hicks credit for immediately waving it off.
After Bailen and teammate John Kennedy left the room, it was Appert's turn to talk. The first question I asked was if he is worried about possibly getting fined by ECAC Hockey commissioner Steve Hagwell for showing the video to the media.
Appert was defiant with his response.
"Why? Is there a policy that you can't show video? I think the ref should be concerned about it," Appert said.
Well, it is showing up the officiating.
This brings me to a point, what’s a coach to do about refs when they blow a call, just sit there and take it with a smile on his face? The fans, bloggers and media can pontificate, pick apart and break down bad calls by the officials till they are blue in the face but in some instances a bad call on the ice, have consequences, bad call can cost a team points and inevitably it could keep that team home from the NCAA playoffs or cause them to lose a chance at hosting a first round series in the league playoffs.
For example; just ask Wisconsin how a few bad calls cost them a few year back. Randy Schmidt is no longer officiating in the WCHA because of a few of his bad calls, one of his bad calls cost Wisconsin points in the standings and probably cost them home ice during the 2008 WCHA playoffs, they finished out of the 5th and final spot by one point. Albeit the Badgers might have lost the tie breaker anyways, but you see where this can go.
I have to admit that if I had been the head coach in Appert's shoes I would have done the same thing because there is little room for error when your season is only 34-38 games long.
What about an NCC Cup?
Maybe we can poach/pursue a team like BSU and start our own hockey league that would be known as the NCC hockey league. Probably not, however, maybe when the almighty BTHC comes into fruition we could divide the WCHA into two division we could have the NCC schools together in one division and the other schools in another division. It would look like this...
NCC Division
UMD
UND
MSUM
UNO
SCSU
Others
C.C.
DU
UAA
MTU
BSU
UNO Mavericks sport all freshman line.
This weekend when the Fighting Sioux play the University Nebraska Omaha Mavericks the Sioux will have to contend with the UNO Mavericks all freshman line of Ryan Walters (4g-3a-7pts), Brock Montpetit (2g-4a-6pts)and Zahn Raubenheimer (4g-3a-7pts). Examining the numbers they are pretty good numbers for an all freshman line.
Chad Purcell World-Herald Staff Writer --- Dean Blais is pretty sure that UNO boasts the best all-freshman line in college hockey.The forward line of Terry Broad Hurst(4g-7a-11pts), Alex Hudson (4g-7a-11pts) and Matt Ambroz (7g-4a-11pts)is impressive as well.From reading the box scores it appears that this line has been in tact for the last four games so I think it would be safe to assume that the Sioux will see this combination again this weekend. This was one of the lines that ran roughshod over the Gophers in their first WCHA series. I was impressed with their speed in all three zones of the ice.
That's because Blais likes to joke that he's the only coach crazy enough to keep three freshman forwards together game after game.
All self-deprecation aside, the decision to put rookies Ryan Walters, Brock Montpetit and Zahn Raubenheimer on the same line is making Blais look crazy like a fox.
Heading into a key WCHA series against eighth-ranked North Dakota, the University of Nebraska at Omaha has climbed to No. 4, the highest ranking in school history. The Mavs are off to a program-best 8-1-1 overall start. At 5-0-1 in its new league, UNO remains the only WCHA team without a conference loss.
Without question, UNO's hard-nosed rookie trio has played a big part in the squad's early success. From the time Walters, Montpetit and Raubenheimer began working together, they displayed a knack for cycling the puck in the corners and wearing down opposing forwards along the boards.
Lately, their mission to pester and tire out the other team has been accompanied by an offensive explosion. The Walters-Montpetit-Raubenheimer combination has buried six goals in UNO's past four games, helping the Mavs sweep Minnesota State-Mankato and take three of four points from St. Cloud State.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
WCHA Defensive Player of the Week - Aaron Dell UND...
WCHA.COM --- University of North Dakota goaltender Aaron Dell, who allowed just one even-strength goal while backstopping the No. 8-ranked Fighting Sioux to a two-game conference road sweep over Wisconsin last weekend, is the Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week for Nov. 16, 2010.
A 6-0, 191-pound sophomore from Airdrie, Alberta, Dell started and won both games in UND's WCHA sweep at then No. 13-ranked Wisconsin, the first sweep for the Sioux at the Kohl Center in Madison since 2002-03.
He registered his first shutout of the season last Friday (Nov. 12) night, stopping all 16 shots he faced in a 1-0 North Dakota victory. He also helped UND kill all six UW power-plays, including a pair of 5:00-minute majors, in that game. Dell then played two more shutout periods last Saturday (Nov. 13) in a 4-2 North Dakota triumph before UW finally scored twice in the third period. Prior to those two goals, Dell had held the Badgers off the board for the first 104:36 of the series and in the two games he had a 1.00 goals-against average and .938 save percentage.
The series at Wisconsin marked Dell's third and fourth straight starts (and his eighth and ninth appearances of the season) after having played in only five games (none consecutive) as a freshman.
Also nominated: Brad Hunt, D, BSU; Sam Brittain, G, DU; John Faulkner, G, UNO; and Scott Gudmandson, G, UW.
Blais ready for the series against Bison?
Edit: Bridget from Maverick Puck tells me via facebook that the person to blame for this article title is the page editor and not the writer who wrote the story. Just thought I would clear that up for everyone.
Moving forward; Fighting Sioux vs Mavericks
Sioux fans will probably always have strong feeling of affection for Dean Blais because of what he accomplished while he was the head coach at UND. Dean Blais led the Fighting Sioux to five MacNaughton Cups, two Broadmoor Trophys, two (2X) national titles in 1997 and 2000 and a runners up finish in 2001 before moving on to coach in the NHL after the 2004 season.
Can I quote you on that one?
Blais is also famous for interesting quotes and zingers. One of Blais’ more famous quotes was, ‘if a players isn’t playing well, he will be sitting on the bench next to the coach or in the stands in a suit.’ Last week Blais made this comment after he was asked by the Omaha media if the Mavericks were adjusting to the teams in the WCHA?
World-Herald --- On Saturday night, following No. 6 UNO’s wild 4-4 tie at St. Cloud State, Blais was asked whether the game was an example of his Mavs learning and adjusting to life in the WCHA.I think no matter how the four games go between the Fighting Sioux and the University of Omaha Mavericks, Sioux fans will have found memories and an affection for Dean Blais, because he was one of us.
Blais agreed, then broke out a sly smile.
“These other teams,” he said, “they’re going to have to learn and adjust to us, too.”
Chad PurcellWorld-Herald Staff Writer --- Blais knows that UND's coaches, players and fans will want to sweep this series, too. But there's an interesting dynamic that still exists between Blais and those who live and die for Sioux hockey. And that's not likely to change, even if the Mavs enjoy big success this weekend.
“He's a major, major celebrity up there,” said Nick Fohr, UNO's director of hockey operations who grew up in Grand Forks rooting for UND. “Sioux hockey is just as big up there as Husker football is down here, and Dean is obviously a very big part of that program.”
Virg Foss can verify that fact.
Foss, a columnist for the Grand Forks Herald, formerly served as the newspaper's UND hockey beat writer. He covered the program for 35 seasons, longer than any other WCHA writer, including all 19 years of Blais' tenure.
“I think Dean will always have a warm place in everybody's heart here in North Dakota,” Foss said.
Blais grew up along the Canadian border in International Falls, Minn., and he played college hockey at the University of Minnesota. But his hockey identity in large part is defined by what he did at North Dakota.
He worked as an assistant under former UND coach Gino Gasparini in the 1980s. During that nine-year stint, Blais was one of the key recruiters and tacticians as the Sioux went 239-130-11 and won NCAA titles in 1982 and 1987.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Reviewing the UND and UW series.
This past weekend the Fighting Sioux showed us a glimpse of what we thought was possible when the season started. The veteran Fighting Sioux took it to the younger Wisconsin Badgers on their ice and if it wasn’t for the Badgers senior goaltender Scott Gudmandson these games wouldn’t have been as close score wise.
While I was out hunting this weekend, I was able to listen to the games on the radio on the porch of my hunting shack. When I finally got home last night I was able to watch Friday’s game on my DVR. After listening to both games and having the game described beautifully to me by the voice of the Sioux Tim Hennesy, it was very apparent that these games weren’t as close as the score board would indicate. I might add that when you watch the games in the stands or at home you on your television you might not get to hear Hennesy’s analysis of the game, unless you bring your head set to the game. It is this writers opinion that Tim Hennesy is one of the best hockey radio announcers in college hockey.
Hits in question
On Friday night Hennesy was definitely agitated with the referees Derek Shepherd and Marco Hunt. During the Friday game between the Badgers and the Fighting Sioux the Sioux were whistled for two five minute major penalties that resulted in game misconducts for Gleason and Hextall.
In reviewing the hits in question on the ice it would appear that checking from behind was not a correct call in the Gleason hit. At first glance the hit looked like a nice shoulder to shoulder check, but after watching the hit about five times, if this hit is penalty, I think a boarding penalty might have been the more appropriate penalty call. I am not convinced that play was a penalty. I also thought it was a little much that the player from Wisconsin flailed around on the ice like he had been shot but then by some miracle after the five minute major had been doled out by the officials the Wisconsin able to recover to take the ice during the power play.
The Brett Hextal hit on Jordy Murray "could" pose a problem for Brett Hextall, I suppose there is a possibility the WCHA could review that hit and hand out some additional discipline based on the fact that from the video it appears that Jordy Murray was hit in the head by Hextall and did suffer an injury from the check in question. Like I told a friend of mine that with this point of emphasis on hits to the head there could be hit(s) reviewed each week by the WCHA. What was legal even last year is no longer legal today.
Madison hard place to win
Traditionally, winning in Madison has been a hard task for the Fighting Sioux and the Sioux hadn’t swept in Madison since the 2002-2003 season when the Fighting Sioux won by scores of 5-0 and 5-2. The Fighting Sioux are also tough to beat when they wear black, with the win this past weekend the Fighting Sioux are 21-1-2 all time in the black uniforms. UND is now 6-5-1 in the last 12 games against UW.
Poll Monday
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
[November 15, 2010]
1 Minnesota-Duluth (36) 9-1-2 981 2
2 Boston University (11) 6-0-4 941 1
3 Maine ( 1) 6-1-3 871 5
4 Nebraska-Omaha ( 2) 8-1-1 808 6
5 Yale 5-1-0 786 3
6 Miami 6-3-3 779 4
7 New Hampshire 5-1-3 673 9
8 North Dakota 7-4-1 662 10
9 Michigan 6-3-3 598 8
10 Boston College 6-4-0 592 7
11 Notre Dame 7-3-1 508 11
12 Alaska 7-4-1 405 14
13 Denver 6-4-2 401 15
14 Union 7-2-3 387 12
15 Wisconsin 6-4-2 264 13
16 Western Michigan 6-2-2 227 17
17 Michigan State 4-3-3 200 16
18 Rensselaer 5-3-3 171 18
19 Minnesota 5-4-1 90 19
20 Robert Morris 7-2-1 50 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Merrimack 42, Dartmouth 18, St. Cloud State 11, Cornell 9, Ferris State 8, Lake Superior 5, Princeton 4, Colorado College 3, Clarkson 2, Niagara 2, Providence 1, Quinnipiac 1
---------------------
Coming later today
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
[November 15, 2010]
1. Minnesota-Duluth (27)
2. Boston University (6)
3. Maine
4. Nebraska-Omaha (1)
5. Yale
6. Miami
7. North Dakota
8. New Hampshire
9. Boston College
10. Michigan
11. Notre Dame
12. Union
13. Alaska
14. Denver
15. Wisconsin
thers receiving votes: Michigan State University 8, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 7, Cornell University 6, Western Michigan University 6, Robert Morris University 4, Dartmouth College 3, University of Minnesota 2, Rochester Institute of Technology 2.
[November 15, 2010]
1 Minnesota-Duluth (36) 9-1-2 981 2
2 Boston University (11) 6-0-4 941 1
3 Maine ( 1) 6-1-3 871 5
4 Nebraska-Omaha ( 2) 8-1-1 808 6
5 Yale 5-1-0 786 3
6 Miami 6-3-3 779 4
7 New Hampshire 5-1-3 673 9
8 North Dakota 7-4-1 662 10
9 Michigan 6-3-3 598 8
10 Boston College 6-4-0 592 7
11 Notre Dame 7-3-1 508 11
12 Alaska 7-4-1 405 14
13 Denver 6-4-2 401 15
14 Union 7-2-3 387 12
15 Wisconsin 6-4-2 264 13
16 Western Michigan 6-2-2 227 17
17 Michigan State 4-3-3 200 16
18 Rensselaer 5-3-3 171 18
19 Minnesota 5-4-1 90 19
20 Robert Morris 7-2-1 50 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Merrimack 42, Dartmouth 18, St. Cloud State 11, Cornell 9, Ferris State 8, Lake Superior 5, Princeton 4, Colorado College 3, Clarkson 2, Niagara 2, Providence 1, Quinnipiac 1
---------------------
Coming later today
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll
[November 15, 2010]
1. Minnesota-Duluth (27)
2. Boston University (6)
3. Maine
4. Nebraska-Omaha (1)
5. Yale
6. Miami
7. North Dakota
8. New Hampshire
9. Boston College
10. Michigan
11. Notre Dame
12. Union
13. Alaska
14. Denver
15. Wisconsin
thers receiving votes: Michigan State University 8, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 7, Cornell University 6, Western Michigan University 6, Robert Morris University 4, Dartmouth College 3, University of Minnesota 2, Rochester Institute of Technology 2.
INCH Power Rankings
As always I include the INCH Power Rankings for your reading enjoyement.
INCH Power Rankings
[11/14/2010]
1. Minnesota Duluth
2. Boston University
3. Maine
4. Nebraska-Omaha
5. Yale
6. North Dakota - Prior to this past weekend, the Fighting Sioux had only swept Wisconsin on one prior occasion in the 12-year history of the Kohl Center. 7-4-1 (6-2-0 WCHA) LAST WEEK: W at Wisconsin, 1-0; W at Wisconsin, 4-2. THIS WEEK: at Nebraska-Omaha, at Nebraska-Omaha
7. New Hampshire
8. Miami
9. Michigan
10. Union
11. Notre Dame
12. Alaska
13. Boston College
15. Denver
15. Wisconsin
16. Western Michigan
17. Rensselaer
18. Robert Morris
19. Michigan State
20. Providence
Dropped out: Ferris State
Bubble-licious: Merrimack, Niagara, Dartmouth, Princeton
INCH Power Rankings
[11/14/2010]
1. Minnesota Duluth
2. Boston University
3. Maine
4. Nebraska-Omaha
5. Yale
6. North Dakota - Prior to this past weekend, the Fighting Sioux had only swept Wisconsin on one prior occasion in the 12-year history of the Kohl Center. 7-4-1 (6-2-0 WCHA) LAST WEEK: W at Wisconsin, 1-0; W at Wisconsin, 4-2. THIS WEEK: at Nebraska-Omaha, at Nebraska-Omaha
7. New Hampshire
8. Miami
9. Michigan
10. Union
11. Notre Dame
12. Alaska
13. Boston College
15. Denver
15. Wisconsin
16. Western Michigan
17. Rensselaer
18. Robert Morris
19. Michigan State
20. Providence
Dropped out: Ferris State
Bubble-licious: Merrimack, Niagara, Dartmouth, Princeton
Sunday, November 14, 2010
My nomination for "Moron of the Week"
WOW! This is my nomination for "Moron of the Week." I have watched hockey for a very long time and I have never seen anything as stupid or as moronic as this act. Seriously, this makes no sense at all, if you're mad at Blood you settle it with him and not with the opposition's net. I would really like to know what was going through Craig Smith's mind. That's a classic black out snap, there is no other way to define it. I think the funny part is Ben Blood is laughing and point to the official to tell Craig Smith he just got a penalty.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
UND 4, UW 2 SIOOOOOUXWEEEP!!!!!
I've said before that a good team can overcome bad officiating. Today, UND proved me right. They absolutely dominated UW almost all game long.
Before I break things down, I'm going to give you my Weekend Three Stars:
Third Star: Chay Genoway (0g 3a) - Points aren't the only reason why he gets the 2nd Star. He was the icing on the cake of absolutely dominant defensive and offensive performance.
Second Star: Scott Gudbrandson - Looking back at where Gudbrandson came from (at one point he was in danger of losing his schollie at UW in a similar situation that former UW/current tUMD goaltender Aaron Crandall went through) and having watched him play last year.... Gudbrandson never has shown the capability of playing like he has this weekend. He was simply the ONLY UW player that came to play.
First Star: Aaron Dell - Almost 150 minutes of shutout time vs. UW. Can't argue with this.
Honorable Mentions: Jake Gardiner (seriously 40 minutes a game? Nuts), Derrick LaPoint (suck it haters), Corbin Knight, Jason Gregoire, Matt Frattin, and Danny Kristo
Next, to get it off my chest: UW got to see tonight just what we're complaining about when it comes to officiating... sorta.
Tonight, DShep and Hunt were consistent.... AWFUL. They managed to find every penalty UW committed all night and called most of them...some of them... it was hard to figure out their formula on which overt penalties they were going to call and which they'd let slide. At one point, Eaves whined and DShep found a way to put UND in the box. It mattered little because Craig Smith had a blackout when his brain shut down and he went berserk. Unfortunately for him (and lucky for Blood) the pesky net got in the way. Blood apparently laughed it off. UND was only really screwed over once when a sympathetic officiating crew decided to use the old version of the NHL rule about skaters in the crease to overturn Kristo's goal.
UPDATE: Ok, I watched some of the game on the Wisconsin Public Television reweb broadcast... I think that's what they called it. Anyways, I'm going to rescind what I said about Eaves convincing DShep to put UND in the box. Hennessey was wrong when he said that they invented a reason to put Trupp in the box. Trupp went to the box for Charging. It probably wasn't Charging, I'll grant TH that. However, Trupp left his skates to make the hit... to Craig Smith's head/shoulders area. This should have been a 2 minute minor for Contact to the Head- Roughing. It was definitely a penalty though. And about Craig Smith.... Seriously, I'm flabbergasted at his run of the UND net. He didn't try to check Dell. No one seems to have any clue on why in the world he did what he did. The net goes flying and ends up against the end boards upside down! What was he trying to accomplish? Dell didn't even move. He just flew by Dell and wham. Wow.
Also, saw the Kristo goal. And I'm now further enraged. That was a goal. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. Rodwell's skate was CLEARLY in the crease, but it was nowhere near Gudmandson. Gudmandson would have had to skate up and to his left to run into Rodwell's skate... Kristo's shot came from Up and Right. So yeah, in order for it to be goaltender interference, Gudbrandson would have had to skate AWAY from the incoming shot. IF that's his idea of good goaltending, then I'll take away his second star status.
The WCHA is a lot like an NHRA Top Fuel Drag Race Team (Great schools, great coaches and players, great (for the most part) fans, great facilities) whose pit crewmembers in charge of the tires cannot seem to get to the track on time and when they do, always seem a bit lazy or uninspired. So, the league's race team could beat ANYONE in the amateur ranks but they keep on having blowouts off the starting line because there's no one to ensure tire quality. How's that analogy?
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Anyways, it is strange sitting here post game, post sweep. I thought that UW series now would be a split and the series vs UMD would be the sweep. Strike that, reverse it.
UND played like the hype surrounding this team expected them to play. UW looked slow, tired, uninspired.
Frattin scored first on a shot from the point.
Kristo scored seco... no, he didn't. Rodwell stepped in the crease and Sheptard overturned it.
UW scored next on the powerplay. John Ramage scored from the point. UW would end the game with the best PP percentage: 1 for 2.
UND would then score 3 unanswered goals, two in a row by Corbin Knight and the final one by Frattin.
Schultz would pot the final goal of the game when UND actually showed laziness.
I'll post the video if there is one that shows up.
Before I break things down, I'm going to give you my Weekend Three Stars:
Third Star: Chay Genoway (0g 3a) - Points aren't the only reason why he gets the 2nd Star. He was the icing on the cake of absolutely dominant defensive and offensive performance.
Second Star: Scott Gudbrandson - Looking back at where Gudbrandson came from (at one point he was in danger of losing his schollie at UW in a similar situation that former UW/current tUMD goaltender Aaron Crandall went through) and having watched him play last year.... Gudbrandson never has shown the capability of playing like he has this weekend. He was simply the ONLY UW player that came to play.
First Star: Aaron Dell - Almost 150 minutes of shutout time vs. UW. Can't argue with this.
Honorable Mentions: Jake Gardiner (seriously 40 minutes a game? Nuts), Derrick LaPoint (suck it haters), Corbin Knight, Jason Gregoire, Matt Frattin, and Danny Kristo
Next, to get it off my chest: UW got to see tonight just what we're complaining about when it comes to officiating... sorta.
Tonight, DShep and Hunt were consistent.... AWFUL. They managed to find every penalty UW committed all night and called most of them...some of them... it was hard to figure out their formula on which overt penalties they were going to call and which they'd let slide. At one point, Eaves whined and DShep found a way to put UND in the box. It mattered little because Craig Smith had a blackout when his brain shut down and he went berserk. Unfortunately for him (and lucky for Blood) the pesky net got in the way. Blood apparently laughed it off. UND was only really screwed over once when a sympathetic officiating crew decided to use the old version of the NHL rule about skaters in the crease to overturn Kristo's goal.
UPDATE: Ok, I watched some of the game on the Wisconsin Public Television reweb broadcast... I think that's what they called it. Anyways, I'm going to rescind what I said about Eaves convincing DShep to put UND in the box. Hennessey was wrong when he said that they invented a reason to put Trupp in the box. Trupp went to the box for Charging. It probably wasn't Charging, I'll grant TH that. However, Trupp left his skates to make the hit... to Craig Smith's head/shoulders area. This should have been a 2 minute minor for Contact to the Head- Roughing. It was definitely a penalty though. And about Craig Smith.... Seriously, I'm flabbergasted at his run of the UND net. He didn't try to check Dell. No one seems to have any clue on why in the world he did what he did. The net goes flying and ends up against the end boards upside down! What was he trying to accomplish? Dell didn't even move. He just flew by Dell and wham. Wow.
Also, saw the Kristo goal. And I'm now further enraged. That was a goal. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. Rodwell's skate was CLEARLY in the crease, but it was nowhere near Gudmandson. Gudmandson would have had to skate up and to his left to run into Rodwell's skate... Kristo's shot came from Up and Right. So yeah, in order for it to be goaltender interference, Gudbrandson would have had to skate AWAY from the incoming shot. IF that's his idea of good goaltending, then I'll take away his second star status.
The WCHA is a lot like an NHRA Top Fuel Drag Race Team (Great schools, great coaches and players, great (for the most part) fans, great facilities) whose pit crewmembers in charge of the tires cannot seem to get to the track on time and when they do, always seem a bit lazy or uninspired. So, the league's race team could beat ANYONE in the amateur ranks but they keep on having blowouts off the starting line because there's no one to ensure tire quality. How's that analogy?
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Anyways, it is strange sitting here post game, post sweep. I thought that UW series now would be a split and the series vs UMD would be the sweep. Strike that, reverse it.
UND played like the hype surrounding this team expected them to play. UW looked slow, tired, uninspired.
Frattin scored first on a shot from the point.
Kristo scored seco... no, he didn't. Rodwell stepped in the crease and Sheptard overturned it.
UW scored next on the powerplay. John Ramage scored from the point. UW would end the game with the best PP percentage: 1 for 2.
UND would then score 3 unanswered goals, two in a row by Corbin Knight and the final one by Frattin.
Schultz would pot the final goal of the game when UND actually showed laziness.
I'll post the video if there is one that shows up.
A New Rule Proposal (RW77)
I've about had it with the officials, but this isn't going to be a rant on the officials. I'm actually going to do something to try to eliminate the need to learn what a penalty looks like so that they can actually have an excuse for not knowing what diving looks like and certainly for embellishment.
Jordy Murray helped solidify my belief on this rule. The rule is as follows: A player who requires the assistance from any training or coaching personnel after the whistle has been blown shall be ruled "injured." This condition can be removed 2 minutes after the time the injury time out has been called should the player be deemed to be in playing condition by on-hand staff. Should the player be found on the ice before the 2 minutes has expired, a penalty for Embellishment minor penalty will be called and the player will serve it according to the normal penalty rules. EXCEPTION: This rule will not apply to injury timeouts called for goaltenders.
So, If Player A gets rocked by Player B and Player B and Player A lays on the ice for enough time for a whistle to be called to handle the injury (as the officials are trained to assume it is) and the trainers come out on the ice to see how injured the player is, that player is ruled ineligible to reenter play for 2 minutes after being helped off the ice.
It is no secret that the officials cannot reverse penalty calls. They can't decide to shorten a penalty time or eliminate a Game Misconduct call. However, they can penalize a player who is trying to slow down the game and draw a penalty for faking injury. If the injury isn't being faked, 2 minutes is a great time for medical staff to ensure no injury or ill effects are being felt by the player.
I cannot claim to be the originator of this rule. This rule is actually a Football rule. Funny... not a lot of diving in football because diving (in the context of faking injury) would mean that they'd have to sit out a play.
Enough is enough. I'm pissed at seeing a guy writhing or rolling around on the ice after a big hit, get medical attention, and then, after the "bad guy" goes off to the box or gets kicked out of the game, out he comes to play a shift on the powerplay.
If you're injured, by God, stay down and get help! If you're not injured, get up or get out of the game.
Jordy Murray helped solidify my belief on this rule. The rule is as follows: A player who requires the assistance from any training or coaching personnel after the whistle has been blown shall be ruled "injured." This condition can be removed 2 minutes after the time the injury time out has been called should the player be deemed to be in playing condition by on-hand staff. Should the player be found on the ice before the 2 minutes has expired, a penalty for Embellishment minor penalty will be called and the player will serve it according to the normal penalty rules. EXCEPTION: This rule will not apply to injury timeouts called for goaltenders.
So, If Player A gets rocked by Player B and Player B and Player A lays on the ice for enough time for a whistle to be called to handle the injury (as the officials are trained to assume it is) and the trainers come out on the ice to see how injured the player is, that player is ruled ineligible to reenter play for 2 minutes after being helped off the ice.
It is no secret that the officials cannot reverse penalty calls. They can't decide to shorten a penalty time or eliminate a Game Misconduct call. However, they can penalize a player who is trying to slow down the game and draw a penalty for faking injury. If the injury isn't being faked, 2 minutes is a great time for medical staff to ensure no injury or ill effects are being felt by the player.
I cannot claim to be the originator of this rule. This rule is actually a Football rule. Funny... not a lot of diving in football because diving (in the context of faking injury) would mean that they'd have to sit out a play.
Enough is enough. I'm pissed at seeing a guy writhing or rolling around on the ice after a big hit, get medical attention, and then, after the "bad guy" goes off to the box or gets kicked out of the game, out he comes to play a shift on the powerplay.
If you're injured, by God, stay down and get help! If you're not injured, get up or get out of the game.
Friday's Game Recap... sorta. (RW77)
Ok, I only got to listen to part of the game on the radio and I did get to see the replay (Thanks to RedFrogND and Brad Schlossman) of the penalties and the goal.
First off, I feel sort of vindicated. Why? I predicted that, with the outflow of all that talent UW had, Eaves would revert back to the boring style of hockey UW was famous for in recent memory. I was right. It was a very boring game.
Second, I was very impressed with the penalty kill. I don't believe UW got any shots off in the 10 minutes of gift PP time thanks to the buffoons in black and white. I'll get on the penalties in a moment. Regardless, I'm happy Gleason was getting time at Forward because I can't see him cracking the lineup on a regular basis without that ability. On a completely different note: I feel that UND has a lot of players (at least more than I can recall) that can play both Forward and Defenseman on its roster. I know that Gleason, Genoway, and Davidson have played for UND both at forward and as Defenseman, but I also think that Marto is capable of doing it. I thought he has played at least one game or part of a game as a forward before with UND, but I can't rightfully confirm it.
Third, the major penalties. The WCHA is a reactionary league so I shouldn't be so upset about the majors. What I'm upset about is that they're letting the way the player falls or what the player looks like after he's hit dictate the severity of the penalty. Gleason and Hextall's hits were penalties. Gleason's hit was a boarding minor, or perhaps a double minor at worst. It was not worthy of a Game misconduct. He did not impact the player in the head or cross check him into the boards. He hit shoulder to shoulder with the player and the player was knocked off balance and hit head first into the boards. A bad position for the UW defender for sure, but not a major penalty. Jordy Murray's major was a thing of beauty. Jordy did something stupid. He skated around the net with his head down and forgot that there were players on the ice that were also going to go after the puck. He didn't recognize that he'd get hit and he got "rocked." He somehow ends up bleeding, and to the best of my abilities, the only way I see that happening is if he somehow cut his chin on his cage when his cage and his chin impacted the ice. He lays on the ice for a little bit and even pulls the "I'm out cold" immobility stuff. The whistle blows and up he jumps and off he skates to the bench to participate in the up coming power play. I can't remember if Brady was that soft, but whatever.
Dell played great tonight. Gudmanson did great too. In truth, I'm more impressed with Gudmanson than Dell. Why? Because Gudmanson played above his potential. Stats are irrelevent in this scenario because he's shown time and time again that he's mediocre to slightly above average goaltender. Gudmanson REALLY benefited from the defense in front of him last year because, when that defense had a bad game, vs. BC, Gudmanson got lit up. Dell has benefited from the same thing thus far, so I'm still waiting to see what happens when Dell faces a team without Team D backing him up. We all know Eidsness has faced that scenario this year already.
Nevertheless, it is still amusing to read fans asking if Eidsness will be worthy of playing again this year. I agree we should ride the hot hand, but I also agree that those who think Eidsness will be relegated to backup duty needs to check in to Narcotics Anonymous. Last time Eids played he did not play poorly. For now, I hope Hakstol goes with Dell on Fridays and Eidsness on Saturdays. If Hakstol does go with Dell, then I'll be ok with it too.
Gregoire's goal was a thing of beauty. UND's Centers were dominant. I did find it interesting, though not surprising, that Gleason played over Bruneteau or Davidson, but I don't mind it at all.
Overall, a good game.
Here's the replays.
First off, I feel sort of vindicated. Why? I predicted that, with the outflow of all that talent UW had, Eaves would revert back to the boring style of hockey UW was famous for in recent memory. I was right. It was a very boring game.
Second, I was very impressed with the penalty kill. I don't believe UW got any shots off in the 10 minutes of gift PP time thanks to the buffoons in black and white. I'll get on the penalties in a moment. Regardless, I'm happy Gleason was getting time at Forward because I can't see him cracking the lineup on a regular basis without that ability. On a completely different note: I feel that UND has a lot of players (at least more than I can recall) that can play both Forward and Defenseman on its roster. I know that Gleason, Genoway, and Davidson have played for UND both at forward and as Defenseman, but I also think that Marto is capable of doing it. I thought he has played at least one game or part of a game as a forward before with UND, but I can't rightfully confirm it.
Third, the major penalties. The WCHA is a reactionary league so I shouldn't be so upset about the majors. What I'm upset about is that they're letting the way the player falls or what the player looks like after he's hit dictate the severity of the penalty. Gleason and Hextall's hits were penalties. Gleason's hit was a boarding minor, or perhaps a double minor at worst. It was not worthy of a Game misconduct. He did not impact the player in the head or cross check him into the boards. He hit shoulder to shoulder with the player and the player was knocked off balance and hit head first into the boards. A bad position for the UW defender for sure, but not a major penalty. Jordy Murray's major was a thing of beauty. Jordy did something stupid. He skated around the net with his head down and forgot that there were players on the ice that were also going to go after the puck. He didn't recognize that he'd get hit and he got "rocked." He somehow ends up bleeding, and to the best of my abilities, the only way I see that happening is if he somehow cut his chin on his cage when his cage and his chin impacted the ice. He lays on the ice for a little bit and even pulls the "I'm out cold" immobility stuff. The whistle blows and up he jumps and off he skates to the bench to participate in the up coming power play. I can't remember if Brady was that soft, but whatever.
Dell played great tonight. Gudmanson did great too. In truth, I'm more impressed with Gudmanson than Dell. Why? Because Gudmanson played above his potential. Stats are irrelevent in this scenario because he's shown time and time again that he's mediocre to slightly above average goaltender. Gudmanson REALLY benefited from the defense in front of him last year because, when that defense had a bad game, vs. BC, Gudmanson got lit up. Dell has benefited from the same thing thus far, so I'm still waiting to see what happens when Dell faces a team without Team D backing him up. We all know Eidsness has faced that scenario this year already.
Nevertheless, it is still amusing to read fans asking if Eidsness will be worthy of playing again this year. I agree we should ride the hot hand, but I also agree that those who think Eidsness will be relegated to backup duty needs to check in to Narcotics Anonymous. Last time Eids played he did not play poorly. For now, I hope Hakstol goes with Dell on Fridays and Eidsness on Saturdays. If Hakstol does go with Dell, then I'll be ok with it too.
Gregoire's goal was a thing of beauty. UND's Centers were dominant. I did find it interesting, though not surprising, that Gleason played over Bruneteau or Davidson, but I don't mind it at all.
Overall, a good game.
Here's the replays.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Turf Wars.
Puck Rakers Blog --- It’s commonplace for players to limber up by kicking a soccer ball in a circle, but the teams are usually separated by a considerable distance to avoid conflict. For example, in Nationwide Arena teams play soccer at either end of a 200-foot hallway.Sounds like the rivalry between the Blue Jackets and the Blues is getting heated. As an NHL fan, you have got to love a near scrum in the building before an NHL game. Nice! I would love to have former Ohio State University Buckeye R.J. Umberger on my team any day.
The Blues, however, are the one visiting club with a history of circumnavigating the unwritten code in Columbus, an NHL source said. Last night, Blues players walked around the inside of the building to hold their soccer game within about 100 feet of the Jackets’ players, eyewitnesses added.
Jackets alternate captain R.J. Umberger, who does sprints before every game, apparently ran through or nearby the Blues’ circle sparking a verbal exchange, several eyewitnesses said. Umberger has grown weary of what he perceives as gamesmanship by the Blues, a source said. The Blues certainly have set a physical tone against the Jackets in recent seasons and the local club has not always responded well.
It’s unclear how many players on each team were involved. The skirmish was broken up quickly, but the game featured two fights, multiple scrums, 92 penalty minutes and venomous verbal barbs.
Friday afternoon pointifications
#10 North Dakota Fighting Sioux (5-4-1, 4-2-0 wcha) versus #13 Wisconsin BADgers (6-2-2, 3-1-2 wcha) UW is 5-4-1 in the last 10 against UND as I mentioned in another blog post.
Televsion - Tonight's game is on FCS if you have Midco.Net, you will need the extended sports package from Midco.net to get the game. Tomorrow night's game is on http://www.uwbadgers.com/ to buy the webcast.
Century mark for Genoway
Chay Genoway is 4 points away from hitting the 100 point total for his Fighting Sioux hockey career. Chay has played in 142 games (21g-75a-96pts). The next closes player for UND to reach the century club is Evan Trupp 123 games (26g-49a-75pts) and Jason Gregoire 95games (35g-39a-74pts) baring injury both players could have a good chance of hitting the century mark.
To trap or not to trap
The BADgers used to be known for being a boring trap first and offense second type of team, now the BADgers are proving that stereotype wrong. The BADgers ranked 3rd nationally in scoring offense (4.3 goals per game) and fourth in scoring defense (1.80).
Links to the series
Andy Baggot beat writer for the BADgers [Madison.com]
My Favorite oppostion hockey blog breaks down the weekend [60 Minutes, No Alibis, No Regrets]
Theresa Spisak from USCHO picks the Sioux to split and her side kick Tyler picks the Sioux be swept by the BADgers this weekend. [USCHO]
Tonight's WCHA Schedule with TV listings
Colorado College at Air Force 7:05 MT
Michigan Tech at Minnesota Duluth 7:07 CT My9
North Dakota at Wisconsin 7:07 CT FSN/WC
Nebraska-Omaha at St. Cloud State 7:07 CT Charter
Alaska Anchorage at Bemidji State 7:37 CT LPTV
Minnesota State at Denver 7:37 MT
Roman from Goal Gophers has been picking the series this season on his blog, last week he predicted a sweep for the Sioux and they split, this week he is predicting a BADgers sweep, lets hope Roman is wrong again.
Roman: Sioux used frosh G Aaron Dell in both games last weekend, instead of Brad Eidsness and split at the Ralph with UMD. No. 10-ranked NoDak is 4-0-1 when it scores four goals or more, 1-4-0 if held under four. D-man Chay Genoway had three assists as he continues comeback. No. 14 Badgers are 3-0-2 in last five games, are third in nation in scoring, averaging 4.3 goals per game. Frosh winger Mark Zengerle had six-point weekend (one goal) at Maroosh. PP clicking. ... Badgers sweep
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sioux and BADgers week.
This week the Fighting Sioux face off against their heated rival the Wisconsin BADgers. Last week there was a discussion on Sioux Sports about past records and if they mattered. Personally, I do believe that historical records do matter and they might play into a equation on how a team plays another team, even if it’s just a small fraction of the whole equation.
One could say by looking at the numbers/results that the Fighting Sioux have had a tough go against the BADgers as of late. The UND Fighting Sioux went 0-1-1 against the Wisconsin BADgers last season at the REA, the Sioux did not travel to Madison last season.
During the 2008-2009 season; the Fighting Sioux went 2-3 against the BADgers losing the deciding rubber match against the BADgers in the third place game of the Final Five.
In the 2007-2008 Season the Sioux went 2-1 against the BADgers beating them in the regional at the Kohl Center. The BADgers had made the NCAA tourney as a at large bid and there were a few people that were upset the BADgers missed the Final Five but qualified as an at large bid with a losing record. The BADgers beat the Pioneers 5-2 before falling to the Sioux in over time. The next summer the NCAA made a rule that said if you don't win your conference tourney and you have a losing record you can not qualify for the NCAA tourney, no matter where you are sitting int the RPI/PWR rankings.
So in the last ten games the BADgers hold the edge 5-4-1 the Fighting Sioux. This could also be the last time the Sioux play the BADgers as the Fighting Sioux.This weekend I think the Sioux are due to change their fortunes against the BADgers - Sioux Sweep.
2/12/2009 Wisconsin 4 North Dakota 3 Wisconsin
12/11/2009 Wisconsin 3 North Dakota 3 (ot) Tie
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03/21/2009 Wisconsin 4 North Dakota 1 Wisconsin
03/07/2009 North Dakota 1 Wisconsin 4 Wisconsin
03/06/2009 North Dakota 2 Wisconsin 1 North Dakota
11/01/2008 Wisconsin 5 North Dakota 2 Wisconsin
10/31/2008 Wisconsin 2 North Dakota 3 North Dakota
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03/30/2008 Wisconsin 2 North Dakota 3 (ot) North Dakota
11/10/2007 North Dakota 3 Wisconsin 1 North Dakota
11/09/2007 North Dakota 0 Wisconsin 4 Wisconsin
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Happy Veteran's Day...
What does it take...
As you know PSU is moving their club hockey team up to division one hockey after one of their wealthy alumni Terrence M. and Kim Pegula decided to give Penn State University 88 million dollars to start a hockey program and build a new hockey arena on campus. Good for them, I am excited for them. Comments oozing with sarcasm.
Seriously folks, it takes many seasons to build a successful division one hockey team. To answer the comment “We're sorry that Joe Battista didn't abandon his life's work and tell the guy with $88 million to stick it so you could keep playing Michigan Tech and St. Cloud State .” The comments are clueless and lack merit, Oh yeah! In case you forgot; Michigan Tech has more historical significance than you think; they have actually won a couple of NCAA titles during the 1970’s and they gave us the awesome/great Michigan Tech pep band and the MacNaughton Cup. SCSU has left a pretty big mark on college hockey as well and just look around the NHL, you will see many great SCSU alum playing in the NHL. Same thing with new member Bemidji State they have actually gone to the NCAA tourney and made the Frozen Four.
I think this type of thinking is ridiculous; there are established college hockey programs and Big Ten Schools like Minnesota with five NCAA division one hockey titles struggling to make the WCHA Final Five and or make the NCAA hockey tourney. One can make the argument that Minnesota has all the advantages, they have a great television deal with FSN, they have a big beautiful hockey arena, a great metro area with many blue chip hockey recruits sitting right in their back yard and they are struggling to make the NCAA hockey tourney.
What makes people think in the non hockey state of Pennsylvania they are going make it to the top? Where the hell are you going to recruit you players from? The East Coast is already saturated with great hockey teams recruiting for hockey recruits. Do PSU fans think they are going compete with a the BU and B.C. hockey teams for recruits? Traditional hockey powers like DU, UND, UW UMN, and Michigan have trouble at times competing with B.C. and BU. I don’t want to hear the argument that Cindy Crosby has put PA on the map and that is going to benefit the PSU hockey team.
In conclusion I don’t blame college hockey fans for be a little surly when it comes to the discussion of a Big Ten Hockey Conference. We have survived for a very long time without having a BTHC. I don’t like the concept of having a BTHC because I think it’s going to be a death sentence for unstable division one hockey programs. The WCHA will fine but what about the CCHA? How are LSSU, BGSU, WMU and a few other hockey teams going to be able to survive if you take the big money maker teams away from their league? We were told that a few of these teams were on life support and that was the reason why the CCHA couldn’t add UAH.
Is killing college hockey in its present form that important to the Big Ten so the BTN can show a few more hockey game on television? What’s preventing them from doing that now? I think when it’s all said and done that hockey people need to discuss this issue and not make a bunch of rash decision and tell the football cabal needs to get the hell out of the way and STFU.
Thank you Terry --- There's been some discussion in the Penn State community about how successful our men's hockey team will ultimately be. Some (myself) feel like we're going to have everything in place to be a top program, while others point to the men's basketball program as evidence of Penn State's ability to run a high-profile program that isn't football.There is a school of thought that I have seen a few places on the internet where I have read comments by PSU hockey fans that think they are just going to build a brand new hockey arena, start a hockey program then they are going to become this division one power house hockey team. It doesn’t work like that. That line of thinking is comparable to saying I am starting a division one football program, I want to play the power house teams in the south like FSU, Miami, Georgia, Alabama, beat them on the football field and oh yeah, I am going to compete for a SEC title right out of the blocks. First thing I would ask you, "is what are you smoking?"
Seriously folks, it takes many seasons to build a successful division one hockey team. To answer the comment “We're sorry that Joe Battista didn't abandon his life's work and tell the guy with $88 million to stick it so you could keep playing Michigan Tech and St. Cloud State .” The comments are clueless and lack merit, Oh yeah! In case you forgot; Michigan Tech has more historical significance than you think; they have actually won a couple of NCAA titles during the 1970’s and they gave us the awesome/great Michigan Tech pep band and the MacNaughton Cup. SCSU has left a pretty big mark on college hockey as well and just look around the NHL, you will see many great SCSU alum playing in the NHL. Same thing with new member Bemidji State they have actually gone to the NCAA tourney and made the Frozen Four.
I think this type of thinking is ridiculous; there are established college hockey programs and Big Ten Schools like Minnesota with five NCAA division one hockey titles struggling to make the WCHA Final Five and or make the NCAA hockey tourney. One can make the argument that Minnesota has all the advantages, they have a great television deal with FSN, they have a big beautiful hockey arena, a great metro area with many blue chip hockey recruits sitting right in their back yard and they are struggling to make the NCAA hockey tourney.
What makes people think in the non hockey state of Pennsylvania they are going make it to the top? Where the hell are you going to recruit you players from? The East Coast is already saturated with great hockey teams recruiting for hockey recruits. Do PSU fans think they are going compete with a the BU and B.C. hockey teams for recruits? Traditional hockey powers like DU, UND, UW UMN, and Michigan have trouble at times competing with B.C. and BU. I don’t want to hear the argument that Cindy Crosby has put PA on the map and that is going to benefit the PSU hockey team.
In conclusion I don’t blame college hockey fans for be a little surly when it comes to the discussion of a Big Ten Hockey Conference. We have survived for a very long time without having a BTHC. I don’t like the concept of having a BTHC because I think it’s going to be a death sentence for unstable division one hockey programs. The WCHA will fine but what about the CCHA? How are LSSU, BGSU, WMU and a few other hockey teams going to be able to survive if you take the big money maker teams away from their league? We were told that a few of these teams were on life support and that was the reason why the CCHA couldn’t add UAH.
Is killing college hockey in its present form that important to the Big Ten so the BTN can show a few more hockey game on television? What’s preventing them from doing that now? I think when it’s all said and done that hockey people need to discuss this issue and not make a bunch of rash decision and tell the football cabal needs to get the hell out of the way and STFU.
Weekend Match-Ups
Some teams now have complete the first quarter of league play and most will achieve that mark this weekend, by playing at least 8 games. The standings are starting to show which teams will still be in contention for the title and home ice. I feel pretty comfortable saying that UAA and BSU are already out of the title race, this early in the season. And I also feel safe saying that MSUM and CC are almost out of the title picture too. I know it’s early, but these teams are averaging less than one point a game, in league play. Like the cliché goes, “You can’t win the title in the first half of the season, but you can lose it.”
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Minnesota-Duluth....4-1-1…9
2. Nebraska-Omaha…4-0-0…8
2. North Dakota………4-2-0…8
2. Wisconsin…………..3-1-2…8
5. Denver……………...3-2-1…7
6. Minnesota…………..3-4-1…7
7. Minnesota State…...2-4-2…6
8. St. Cloud State….....2-2-0…4
8. Colorado College…..2-4-0…4
10. Michigan Tech……..1-2-1…3
10. Bemidji State……….1-4-1…3
12. Alaska-Anchorage...0-3-1…1
WCHA
Alaska Anchorage @ Bemidji State
Last weekend the Seawolves enjoyed a free weekend and the Beavers split with the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.
The Seawolves are in a familiar place, the basement, but they have a new neighbor this year, Bemidji State. The Beavers are off to rough start in their first year of WCHA action. They knew (or should have) that the competition is a bit stiffer here than in the old CHA. However, the good news for the Beavers is they got their first league win last weekend, on the road. Now all BSU has to do is get a win in their brand new arena. If BSU can get a sweep this weekend it will almost even their league record, the same can be said for UAA. The Seawolves have two games in hand on most of the conference, including BSU, so they have some more games to get points in. BSU has played two of the top league teams in UND and UMD this season, and got only one point. The Seawolves like the Beavers need points every weekend if they want to stay in the middle of the pack. SPLIT.
Minnesota State @ #15 Denver
Last weekend the MSUM Mavericks were swept by the UNO Mavericks in Omaha and the Pioneers split with the Tigers in a home-away series.
The Mavericks in the Pioneers are separated by only a point in the standings this week, but DU has two games in hand. The Pioneers were embarrassed on Saturday by arch-rival CC. I’m not sure if there is a wood shed out back of CC’s world arena, but DU definitely got a whoopin’ to the tune of 9 to 2. I’m sure DU boss Gwozdecky will have his team ready for this weekend. The Mavericks find themselves in the middle of the pack, after playing 8 out of their 28 league games. MSUM will almost be at the half-way point of the season come Sunday and I’m sure they would be happy to have a five hundred record at that point. The Pioneers might be showing signs of playing a tough schedule to start the year (BC, UND, UW, CC). Another hard series to predict this weekend, SPLIT.
#6 Nebraska-Omaha @ St. Cloud State
Last weekend the Mavericks swept the MSUM Mavericks in Omaha and the Huskies split with the Beavers in St. Cloud.
The Dean Blais led UNO Mavericks are now the only team to have a spotless record in the WCHA. The Mavericks will be playing a ranked team this weekend for the first time in league play. The Huskies have been a little bit unpredictable this season; they have split both their league series. If SCSU wants to live up the preseason hype, a couple of wins this weekend would definitely put them back on the radar. I’m going to go out on a limb here and go with the Huskies 3-pts.
Michigan Tech @ #2 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the Huskies enjoyed a free weekend and the Bulldogs split with the Sioux in Grand Forks.
The Huskies are off to a mediocre start this season through four league games, and the Bulldogs are off to excellent start through six games. A few bounces here and there for UMD have gotten them overtime wins, some bad bounces and UMD would be in the middle of the pack. The Huskies need to continue to get points week in and week out to stay out of the bottom third of the league. The Bulldogs need to take points from the bottom teams, if they want to stay on top of the standing, because there are better teams on the horizon. SPLIT.
#10 North Dakota @ #13 Wisconsin
Last weekend the Sioux split with the Bulldogs in Grand Forks and the Badgers took 3-pts from the Gophers in Minneapolis.
The Badgers get to play their two biggest rivals, UM and UND, on back to back weekends. I watched the Friday UW-UM game and the 6-0 Badger win was not that impressive. It could be said that the UM defense needs to get better, and they were/are the problem in Minneapolis. (Kangas stopped a penalty shot that game too.) The Badgers lost a bunch of talent from last year and it is starting to show now. The Sioux played well on Friday and looked a little sluggish on Saturday. UND got a split for the second weekend in a row. The Sioux also got a 5-minute major and game misconduct for the second weekend in a row too. The Badgers have done well against the Sioux the last couple of years, but times, they are a changing. SPLIT.
Non-Conference
#3 Yale @ Colorado College (Friday only)
Last weekend the Yale Bulldogs beat Princeton (Fri) and Quinnipiac (Sat) and the Tigers split a pair with rival Denver.
Two weeks ago the Tigers had 9 goals hung on them and last weekend they hung a 9 on rival DU. The question is, will another 9 show up this weekend at the World Arena scoreboard? Tigers win.
BYE WEEK
#19 University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) – Golden Gophers
WCHA standings
TEAM……………...W-L-T...Pts
1. Minnesota-Duluth....4-1-1…9
2. Nebraska-Omaha…4-0-0…8
2. North Dakota………4-2-0…8
2. Wisconsin…………..3-1-2…8
5. Denver……………...3-2-1…7
6. Minnesota…………..3-4-1…7
7. Minnesota State…...2-4-2…6
8. St. Cloud State….....2-2-0…4
8. Colorado College…..2-4-0…4
10. Michigan Tech……..1-2-1…3
10. Bemidji State……….1-4-1…3
12. Alaska-Anchorage...0-3-1…1
WCHA
Alaska Anchorage @ Bemidji State
Last weekend the Seawolves enjoyed a free weekend and the Beavers split with the SCSU Huskies in St. Cloud.
The Seawolves are in a familiar place, the basement, but they have a new neighbor this year, Bemidji State. The Beavers are off to rough start in their first year of WCHA action. They knew (or should have) that the competition is a bit stiffer here than in the old CHA. However, the good news for the Beavers is they got their first league win last weekend, on the road. Now all BSU has to do is get a win in their brand new arena. If BSU can get a sweep this weekend it will almost even their league record, the same can be said for UAA. The Seawolves have two games in hand on most of the conference, including BSU, so they have some more games to get points in. BSU has played two of the top league teams in UND and UMD this season, and got only one point. The Seawolves like the Beavers need points every weekend if they want to stay in the middle of the pack. SPLIT.
Minnesota State @ #15 Denver
Last weekend the MSUM Mavericks were swept by the UNO Mavericks in Omaha and the Pioneers split with the Tigers in a home-away series.
The Mavericks in the Pioneers are separated by only a point in the standings this week, but DU has two games in hand. The Pioneers were embarrassed on Saturday by arch-rival CC. I’m not sure if there is a wood shed out back of CC’s world arena, but DU definitely got a whoopin’ to the tune of 9 to 2. I’m sure DU boss Gwozdecky will have his team ready for this weekend. The Mavericks find themselves in the middle of the pack, after playing 8 out of their 28 league games. MSUM will almost be at the half-way point of the season come Sunday and I’m sure they would be happy to have a five hundred record at that point. The Pioneers might be showing signs of playing a tough schedule to start the year (BC, UND, UW, CC). Another hard series to predict this weekend, SPLIT.
#6 Nebraska-Omaha @ St. Cloud State
Last weekend the Mavericks swept the MSUM Mavericks in Omaha and the Huskies split with the Beavers in St. Cloud.
The Dean Blais led UNO Mavericks are now the only team to have a spotless record in the WCHA. The Mavericks will be playing a ranked team this weekend for the first time in league play. The Huskies have been a little bit unpredictable this season; they have split both their league series. If SCSU wants to live up the preseason hype, a couple of wins this weekend would definitely put them back on the radar. I’m going to go out on a limb here and go with the Huskies 3-pts.
Michigan Tech @ #2 Minnesota-Duluth
Last weekend the Huskies enjoyed a free weekend and the Bulldogs split with the Sioux in Grand Forks.
The Huskies are off to a mediocre start this season through four league games, and the Bulldogs are off to excellent start through six games. A few bounces here and there for UMD have gotten them overtime wins, some bad bounces and UMD would be in the middle of the pack. The Huskies need to continue to get points week in and week out to stay out of the bottom third of the league. The Bulldogs need to take points from the bottom teams, if they want to stay on top of the standing, because there are better teams on the horizon. SPLIT.
#10 North Dakota @ #13 Wisconsin
Last weekend the Sioux split with the Bulldogs in Grand Forks and the Badgers took 3-pts from the Gophers in Minneapolis.
The Badgers get to play their two biggest rivals, UM and UND, on back to back weekends. I watched the Friday UW-UM game and the 6-0 Badger win was not that impressive. It could be said that the UM defense needs to get better, and they were/are the problem in Minneapolis. (Kangas stopped a penalty shot that game too.) The Badgers lost a bunch of talent from last year and it is starting to show now. The Sioux played well on Friday and looked a little sluggish on Saturday. UND got a split for the second weekend in a row. The Sioux also got a 5-minute major and game misconduct for the second weekend in a row too. The Badgers have done well against the Sioux the last couple of years, but times, they are a changing. SPLIT.
Non-Conference
#3 Yale @ Colorado College (Friday only)
Last weekend the Yale Bulldogs beat Princeton (Fri) and Quinnipiac (Sat) and the Tigers split a pair with rival Denver.
Two weeks ago the Tigers had 9 goals hung on them and last weekend they hung a 9 on rival DU. The question is, will another 9 show up this weekend at the World Arena scoreboard? Tigers win.
BYE WEEK
#19 University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) – Golden Gophers
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