UND vs. SCSU game one

UND Forward lines

9 Drake Caggiula–16 Mark MacMillan–15 Michael Parks (A)
28 Stephane Pattyn (A)–19 Rocco Grimaldi–27 Luke Johnson
21 Brendan O’Donnell–13 Connor Gaarder–11 Derek Rodwell
25 Mitch MacMillan–29 Bryn Chyzyk–17 Colten St. Clair

North Dakota Defense Pairings

5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue
18 Dillon Simpson ©–24 Jordan Schmaltz
4 Keaton Thompson–2 Troy Stecher

UND Goalies

31 Zane Gothberg
33 Clarke Saunders

Out: 7-Wade Murphy (Fr., F), 20-Gage Ausmus (Fr., D), 22-Andrew Panzarella (Jr., D), 26-Coltyn Sanderson (So., F), 30-Matt Hrynkiw (Fr., G)

SCSU Huskies Forward lines

16 Jimmy Murray–26 Nic Dowd–13 David Morley
10 Ryan Papa–11 Kalle Kossila–22 Jonny Brodzinski
9 Joey Benik–8 Cory Thorson–21 Brooks Bertsch
27 Nick Oliver–37 Joe Rehkamp–6 Daniel Tedesco

SCSU Defense Pairings

15 Niklas Nevalainen–12 Ethan Prow
7 Kevin Gravel–40 Tim Daly
19 Ben Storm–2 Jarrod Rabey

SCSU Goalies

29 Ryan Faragher
35 Charlie Lindgren
33 Joseph Phillippi

TV tonight: CBS Sports Network, DirecTV (channel 221), DISH Network (158). NO webcast tonight.
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) March 1, 2014

Out: Murphy, Ausmus, Panzarella, Sanderson, Hrynkiw || Referees: Todd Anderson, Steve Patafie || Linesmen: Nick Bradshaw, Tony Czech
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) March 1, 2014

UPDATE: Steve Ott and Ryan Miller being traded to St Louis...

Ryan Miller in his first #Sabres preseason game (9-21-02) still wearing his Michigan State mask. The silly season is about to begin.
pic.twitter.com/HUUEtg3sqp
— Bill Wippert (@BWipp) February 28, 2014

One of my favorite college hockey goaltenders of all time, former Michigan State Spartan Ryan Miller. The All-American was fun to watch during the NCAA playoffs. According to the St. Louis Blues twitter feed, Miller has been traded to the St. Louis Blues along with teammate, forward Steve Ott. In my opinion, the Blues are getting a very good All-World goalie for the playoff stretch. It's kind of weird to see the Buffalo Sabres decline this far.

The Sabres get forward Chris Stewart, goalie Jaroslav Halak, forward William Carrier, 1st round pick (2015) and a 3rd round pick (2016) - See more at: http://thehockeywriters.com/thw-trade-tracker-halak-for-miller/#sthash.93JJa3zE.dpuf. In my opinion, the Sabres got a really good deal.

The "Silly Season" is upon us.

BREAKING: The Blues have acquired Miller & Ott from Buffalo for Halak, Stewart, Carrier & two picks. INFO >>> http://t.co/NGLbm5mwxT
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 1, 2014

Steve Ott was kicking soccer ball with teammates in Sabres' arena when coach Ted Nolan called him to back room to tell him he was scratched.
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) February 28, 2014

I'm told there is another goaltender dressing downstairs....Amerks are on road in the Midwest...hmmmm.. #Sabres
— Mike Harrington (@BNHarrington) February 28, 2014

Before every start, Ryan Miller comes to Sabres' bench to lean on his stick and think about the game. He has not shown up. Not playing?
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) February 28, 2014

Source says expect the Sabres to make official trade announcement tonight, likely soon.
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) February 28, 2014

This is why the UND vs SCSU game in on at 8:08 p.m.

I am been critical of the NCHC’s television deal with CBS Sports Network. (NCAA Hockey: Current NCHC Television Deal is Unacceptable)

“When” they the broadcast games, they’re awesome. Their hockey coverage is second to none. I would argue that the quality of the CBSSN broadcasts are top-shelf. I also love what Dave Starman and Ben Holden bring to the booth. But, they’re just not on enough. When we don’t have television coverage for away road games, you have to watch the games on a member school's webcasts. Most of them can't keep up with the traffic that UND hockey fans bring to their webcasts. Those for the most part have been less than acceptable this season as well. (NCAA Hockey: There Has to Be a Better Way)

Tonight’s game between SCSU and UND is on at 8:08 p.m. because the game time is being preempted by a college basketball game between Providence and Seton Hall.

Maybe I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but the NCHC leadership needs to do a better job when they negotiate the next television deal. No more exclusivity deals. So far, exclusive has proven to be fewer hockey games on the tube.

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Lots on the line this weekend (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND Hockey: Conference Title up for Grabs in Saint Cloud (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers Half Way Point (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCAA Hockey: There Has to Be a Better Way (thehockeywriters.com)

UND Hockey: Lots on the line this weekend

The table has been set. The stakes are high. The Penrose Cup will be in the Herb Brooks Arena (aka the Concrete Center) this weekend. If either team sweeps, they "would" clinch at least a share of the the Penrose Cup.

The SCSU Huskies (12-5-3-0 NCHC, 18-7-5 overall) and University of North Dakota (13-7-0-0, 18-9-3) are currently tied at the top of the NCHC standing with four games remaining in regular season.

The order is tall for UND, in their last 10 games against the Huskies they hold a 4-5-1 record and they haven’t had much success against Husky goalie Ryan Faragher. The last time UND beat SCSU was on (11/09/2012) when Clarke Saunders shutout the Huskies 3-0.

Records: UND has a 14-2-1 record the last 17 games. SCSU 7-6-3 record the last 16 games.

SCSU goalie Ryan Faragher has UND’s number

Over the last couple of seasons, Husky goalie Faragher has had UND’s number. In the last two seasons, Faragher has a 4-1-1 record against UND. This includes a series sweep earlier this season in Grand Forks. During his career against UND, the junior goalie has 6-3-1 record with a .940 save percentage and a 1.79 GAA.

Second verse same as the first.

At the Ralph Engelstad Arena, Faragher has been nothing short of amazing, compiling a 4-1-1 record, a.957 save percentage and a 1.50 goals against average. UND hopes their fortunes will change this weekend against the Huskies. The Green and White need to emerge from this weekend’s series with at least a series split, to keep their title hopes alive. To be successful this weekend UND is going to have to get pucks past Faragher. Sounds simple right?

Zane Gothberg is no slouch either

From this week’s game notes: In the last 13 games, UND goalie Zane Gothberg is 11-0-2, with a 1.75 GAA and a .931 save percentage. In 21 games this season, Gothberg is 13-5-3, has a  2.12 GAA and a .922 save percentage. Against the Huskies, Gothberg is 0-3-0, 3.10 GAA and has a .902 save percentage. Saunders is 1-1-1, 2.27 GAA and has a .920 save percentage.

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Conference Title up for Grabs in Saint Cloud (thehockeywriters.com)

Oilers Matt Hendricks boards Wild's Nate Prosser

Someone tell my why Oilers forward Matt Hendricks isn't given a penalty on this play? Hendricks clearly hits Wild defenseman Nate Prosser from behind in the numbers.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Kris Letang talks about his stroke

Kristopher Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins, at a 4–1 win over the New Jersey Devils (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you haven't seen it, this article by Josh Yohe who's the Penguins reporter for the TribLive.com, its worth a look. 

Yohe's article is about Pittsburgh Penguins defensman Kris Letang and what he has gone through after suffering a stroke. Very scary story. 

Letang's absence to the Penguins line-up is a major loss, but his long term health is more important right now.  

It was a scary time.

On the morning of Jan. 29, Letang's wife woke up to find him laying on the floor of the couple's bedroom. He was alert but knew something was wrong.

“I was not able to function,” he said.

Letang's mother-in-law is a nurse and was at their home at the time of his stroke, which stopped him from calling 911. He felt better enough later in the day to fly with the Penguins to Los Angeles.

But after a series of tests, it was determined that Letang had a stroke. He said he is still having “good days and bad days” and is still dealing with fatigue.

Letang looked noticeably thinner than normal. He has recently been given permission to work out though he isn't skating and continues to take blood thinner medication. [Read more]

Drew Stafford Smoking Hot Right Now

PLAYER TO WATCH: Drew Stafford has six goals and nine points in his past seven games for the @BuffaloSabres. pic.twitter.com/UwWiIiqLLk
— NHL (@NHL) February 26, 2014

There was 23 scouts in the Buffalo Sabres press box for the past two games, preparing for the fire sale that's going to take place in Buffalo. I wonder if Drew Stafford is making the case to be traded? Stafford has scored (10g-14a—24pts) in 51 games this season. Stafford has scored (3g-3a—6pts) in the last five games.

UND Hockey: This week's Inside the NCHC (Video)

The NCHC does a good job promoting their member schools. This is a really nice video. Enjoy.

Related articles

• NCHC Hockey: Colorado College Defenseman Gustav Olofsson not Bolting for the WHL (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCHC Hockey: No Second Thoughts or Regrets (thehockeywriters.com)
• NCAA Hockey: Current NCHC Television Deal is Unacceptable (thehockeywriters.com)

Weekend Match-Ups (by Donn)

The race for the Penrose Cup is on.  We are down to the last two weekends of NCHC regular season play.  We know for sure Miami, CC, UMD, and DU are out of contention for the title.  The title could be decided this weekend in St. Cloud when the top two teams square off.
 

NCHC STANDINGS 2013-2014

Team………………………W-L-T-SW………Points

North Dakota……………..13-7-0-0…..…….….39
St. Cloud St……………….12-5-3-0…………...39
Nebraska-Omaha………..10-8-2-1…..………..33
Western Michigan………...9-9-2-1…….………31
Denver………………………8-9-3-2………….…29
Minnesota-Duluth………….8-10-2-2….….……28
Colorado College……….. ..6-9-5-1…….….…..24
Miami………………………..5-14-1-1….…….….17
 

NCHC Games

#20 Minnesota-Duluth @ Miami

Last weekend the Bulldogs were swept by NoDak (3-0, 6-2) in Duluth and the RedHawks split with the Huskies (4-3W, 3-0L) in Oxford.

The Bulldogs have taken some lumps the last two weekends, but they have come at the hands of the top two teams in the conference.  Miami showed a sign of life on Friday with a win, but they are still not the team everyone predicted at the beginning of this year.  The Bulldogs still have a good chance to get home ice the first round of the playoffs, so hope is not lost in Duluth.  In Oxford, hope was lost a few months ago, now they can only hope to drag down others with them.  SPLIT

 

#10 North Dakota @ #5 SCSU

Last weekend NoDak swept the Bulldogs (3-0, 6-2) in Duluth and the Huskies split with the RedHawks (4-3L, 3-0W) in Oxford.

If this was a boxing match, it would be the main event, a battle of the heavy-weights.  This series could determine the first ever NCHC regular season title.  If one team gets a sweep they will have clinched at least a share of the Penrose Cup.  A split and it comes down to the last weekend of the regular season.  Way back, the first and second of November these teams played a series in Grand Forks with SCSU sweeping 3-2 and 3-1.  The Huskies are 6-3-5 at home and NoDak is 7-4-2 on the road this season.  I see the title being up for grabs next weekend, with nothing decided in the National Hockey Center this weekend.  SPLIT

 

Colorado College @ Nebraska-Omaha

Last weekend the Tigers swept the Pioneers (3-2, 3-1) in a home and home series and the Mavericks split with the Broncos (5-1W, 5-3L) in Kalamazoo.

The Tigers are seven points behind the Mavericks in the standings and UNO is sitting in a home spot.  The Mavericks are 7-9-0 at home and the Tigers are 1-11-2 on the road this season.  This weekend is the chance the Mavericks need to lock up a home ice spot.  The Tigers are not very good on the road, and their record reflects it, and I don’t see them getting a win in Omaha.  MAVERICKS SWEEP

 

Denver @ Western Michigan

Last weekend the Pioneers were swept by the Tigers (3-2, 3-1) in a home and home series and the Broncos split with the Mavericks (5-1L, 5-3W) in Kalamazoo.

The Pioneers have had a snag, dropping four of their last five games.  The Broncos too have been skidding, having only one regulation win in their last four games.  Back in mid-November these teams played a series in Denver with the Pioneers sweeping 5-3 and 1-0.  The teams are only two points apart in the standings and the Broncos are sitting in the last home ice spot.  This could be a playoff rematch in a couple of weeks… With that last home spot on the line, this should be a good series to watch, I think each team will get a win, in the “Omelet Series”.  SPLIT

Boston Bruins: Torrey Krug sweet move (Vine)

Here's a sweet shootout move by former Michigan State Spartan  and current Boston Bruins defenseman Tory Krug.

Add Your Caption: What is Ryan Miller doing?

Buffalo's trainer kind of looks like Turk from 'Scrubs' pic.twitter.com/6NfroYAdvl — Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) February 27, 2014

What is Ryan Miller doing? Add your caption.

UND Hockey: SJHovey Nails it...

Like I have mentioned on Twitter, Last March, I started a tongue in cheek post on Sioux Sports. The title of the thread "Time to Fire Hakstol". The thread in question has kept growing, by the day. For those that don't red Sioux Sports, SJHovey is one of the more level headed posters from Sioux Sports and he absolutely nails it... Check it out.  I feel the same way, I wouldn't trade out situation at UND either. 

I ask this question, in all seriousness, to those who think that the program has fallen on hard times, below our standards, or that it's time to start thinking about coaching changes.

Look back over the past 9 seasons (I'm excluding the present season primarily because we don't know how it will turn out).  If you could magically substitute the performance of another college hockey program for our own, would you?  Whose?

UND is 235-119-37 over that span, with no losing seasons, 2 regular season crowns, 4 conference tourney titles, appearances in all 9 NCAA tournaments, but admittedly no national titles.

So who do you wish we were, over Hak's tenure, if not our own performance?

BC?  Obviously.  3 national titles, 3 regular season titles, 6 conference tourney championships, appearances in 8 of 9 NCAA tournaments and a 238-97-33 record.

But now who?

Michigan?  The supposed greatest college hockey program of all time?  No national titles, 3 regular season titles, 3 conference tourney titles, 8 of 9 NCAA tourney appearances (and one losing season), with a win/loss record virtually identical to ours at 237-116-25.  I'm not trading.  That's the same car I'm driving without the 1 missed tourney.

How about Miami?  3 regular season titles, 1 conference tourney title, 8 of 9 NCAA appearances, but no national titles and a record no better than ours at 222-107-39.  No thanks.

Minnesota?  No national titles.  4 regular season titles but 1 conference tourney title.  Only 6 of 9 in NCAA appearances with one losing season and a considerably worse record at 210-120-39.  Plus, you're Minnesota.  Forget it.

How about last year's champs, Yale.  They have the almighty national title.  But 2 regular season titles, 2 conference titles and only 4 NCAA appearances out of 9 seasons, to go along with 3 losing seasons and a pedestrian 153-129-24 record.  I don't make that swap.

Duluth won a title, too.  But not a single regular season title, one tournament title and made the NCAA's a paltry 3 of the 9 seasons, with 5 losing seasons and a barely .500 record of 161-149-47.  Go ahead if you want to be a Bulldog.

How about Michigan St. and their national title?  Zero regular season titles.  1 conference tourney title.  3 losing seasons.  Only 4 NCAA appearances in the 9 years and a very average 173-150-42 record.

So far I'm not impressed.

So what about Wisconsin, BU or Denver?

Lot of baggage with Wisconsin.  They have that title real early in the stretch of these 9 seasons, but no regular season titles, one very unexpected conference tourney title, 5 of 9 on NCAA appearances, a couple of sub-.500 seasons and a 196-133-39 record a long way behind UND.  It might be for some of you, but not me.

BU?  One great season with a national title.   A couple of HE crowns to go with a couple of HE tourney titles.  But they only made the tournament half the time and their overall record is still a long way behind UND, at 204-117-39.

Denver?  For me this would be a maybe.  2 regular season crowns, 2 Broadmoors and appearances in 7 of the 9 NCAA tournaments.  Pretty good record at 220-115-33.  A bit of a toss up, but I might be persuaded to take that record for these past 9 seasons, understanding that the title did come at the very beginning of the run and there has been a generally downward progression.

Anybody that I missed?

So, of course I would love to have BC's record the past 9 years.  Who wouldn't?  Denver's?  Maybe, although I don't like the direction they're going.  Who else would you rather be?

Unless someone else has some good answers, I'm not sure I'd be jumping ship right about now. 

Hatten SC Times: Tickets still available for this weekend's games; UND vs SCSU

I am actually surprised that there are still tickets left for this game. Standing room is very good tickets. This will be a great series if you can take in game I would recommend going.

Mick Hatten, Saint Cloud Time -- Tickets for this weekend’s North Dakota at St. Cloud State men’s hockey series are getting difficult to come by, particularly for the Saturday night game at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

Tenth-ranked North Dakota and fifth-ranked St. Cloud State go into the weekend tied for the lead in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, which is in its inaugural season. There are four games left in the regular season and the teams moved into a tie for the lead last weekend.

“This is always a big series for us and sales are always high,” said Chad Sheetz, St. Cloud State’s assistant director of athletic business & finance operations. “After Christmas, sales really started to pick up.”

As of about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, there were 599 remaining standing-room only tickets remaining for Saturday’s game, which starts at 7:07 p.m.

There are about 450 tickets available for Friday’s game.

Friday’s game has the unusual starting time of 8:07 p.m. because the game will be on a national telecast. Friday’s game will be televised on CBS Sports Network (Charter Channel 412, Direct TV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158).

Tuesday Links: Hockey Focused, It's the Stretch Run...

With the Injury to New York Islanders forward John Tavares, other players on the Islanders are going to have an opportunity to play more. One of them is former UND forward Brock Nelson. (TSN.CA)

The Islanders, 12 points out of a playoff spot, weren't going to contend for the postseason this year and are already preparing to move LW Thomas Vanek prior to the March 5th trade deadline. Under those circumtances, there will be some opportunities available for other Islanders, rookies Ryan Strome and Brock Nelson among them, to play more prominent offensive roles.

Former UND forward Evan Trupp is playing with the Corban Knight on the Abbotsford Heat. Trupp has scored (1g-4a—5pts) in 10 games this season.

Apparently Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kessler returned from the Sochi game with an injury.

Former UND and current Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise stood up and defended Olympic coach Dan Bylsma. Mike Russo has the details on his blog.

The Stanley Cup of Chowder profiles Zane Gothberg this week. No mention of the him getting the NCHC goalie of the week.

UND Hockey: NCHC Quarterfinal ticket packages on sale Wednesday

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Ticket packages for the NCHC quarterfinal round, to be hosted by UND from March 14-16, will go on sale to the general public and to UND students on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 10 a.m. Central.

Series ticket packages are reserved seating and are $40 for adults, $20 for UND students and $20 for youth. Adult and youth series packages may be purchased in person at the UND Box Office at Ralph Engelstad Arena or online at (Ticket Master).

UND students may purchase up to four series packages and may do so in person at the UND Box Office at Ralph Engelstad Arena. A valid UND student ID must be presented with game ticket to gain admittance into each game.

Season ticket holders already received their NCHC Quarterfinal tickets as part of their season ticket package.

All unclaimed student tickets will become available to the general public as series packages on Saturday, March 1, beginning at 10 a.m. Central.

Single-game tickets for the NCHC Quarterfinals will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, March 12 at 10 a.m. Central.

The NCHC Quarterfinals take place March 14, 15 and 16 (Game 3 if necessary). Game times are 7:38 p.m. on Friday and 7:08 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (all times Central). UND’s first-round opponent has not yet been determined.

UND clinched home ice for the first round of the conference playoffs last Saturday with a 6-2 win at No. 20 Minnesota Duluth. It is the 12^th straight year UND will host the first round of its conference playoffs, the longest active streak in NCAA Division I men’s hockey.

UND Hockey: Where are they now? Aaron Dell

Former UND goalie Aaron Dell was signed by the Abbotsford Heat played two games this past weekend and then was released by the Heat. You would think that Dell is going to get a shot and stick with an AHL team, eventually.

ABBOTSFORD, BC -- The Abbotsford Heat announced today that they have released goaltender Aaron Dell.

Dell, a native of Airdrie, Alberta appeared in two games over the weekend with the Heat registering a 0-1-0 record along with a 1.39 GAA and a .929 save percentage.

NHL Trade Deadline - Where's Ryan Miller going?

Sabres goalie Ryan Miller would be a good rental goalie for the Stanley Cup Stretch run. You have to wonder where he's going? The NHL trade deadline in on March 5, 2014.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Ryan Miller was a no-show at Buffalo Sabres practice Monday because the star goalie was still travelling from the Sochi Games.

Though Miller was scheduled to return later in the day and start Tuesday, when Buffalo hosts Carolina, his absence could be something the Sabres will have to get accustomed to with the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 5.

A person familiar with discussions told The Associated Press that general manager Tim Murray continues to pursue offers for Miller with the intention of trading him by next week.

"Tim is testing the waters as hard as he can," the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because Murray declined to speak to reporters Monday.

NCAA Hockey: National Scoring Race

Points Per Game: GP G- A- P P/GM
  1 Johnny Gaudreau (CGY)      Boston College    JR F       33   29-34-63    1.91
  2 Greg Carey                 St. Lawrence      SR F       32   15-36-51    1.59
  3 Kevin Hayes (CHI)          Boston College    SR F       33   22-29-51    1.55
  4 Ryan Dzingel (OTT)         Ohio State        JR F       28   17-21-38    1.36
  5 Austin Czarnik             Miami             JR F       29   11-28-39    1.34
  6 Brett Gensler              Bentley           SR F       32   17-26-43    1.34
  7 Bill Arnold (CGY)          Boston College    SR F       33   12-32-44    1.33
  8 Kevin Roy (ANA)            Northeastern      SO F       32   17-25-42    1.31
  9 Devin Shore (DAL)          Maine             SO F       30   13-26-39    1.30
10 Riley Barber (WSH)         Miami             SO F       30   18-20-38    1.27
    Josh Archibald (PIT)       Nebraska Omaha    JR F       30   26-12-38    1.27
    Ryan Haggerty              Rensselaer        JR F       30   24-14-38    1.27
13 Mark Naclerio              Brown             SO F       27   16-18-34    1.26
14 Chris McCarthy             Vermont           SR F       31   16-23-39    1.26
15 Matthew Zay                Mercyhurst        JR F       32   16-24-40    1.25
    Jesse Root                 Yale              SR F       24   12-18-30    1.25
17 Kevin Goumas               New Hampshire     SR F       33   13-27-40    1.21
18 Cole Gunner                Air Force         JR F       34   14-27-41    1.21
19 Matt Leitner               Minnesota State   JR F       30    9-27-36    1.20
20 Nick Lappin                Brown             SO F       26   12-19-31    1.19

NCHC honors Zane Gothberg and Luke Johnson

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Luke Johnson, North Dakota

Freshman Forward

Grand Forks, N.D.

Johnson sparked North Dakota to a sweep at Minnesota Duluth, UND’s second straight sweep, behind a two-goal, four-point series. In Friday’s 3-0 victory, the Chicago Blackhawks prospect had a hand in all three goals for a career-high three-point game, scoring twice and assisting on the other. Johnson scored the game’s first goal in the first period on the power play, which proved to be the game-winner, while he set up the second goal with the primary assist and capped the outing with an unassisted goal in the third period. He had a +2 rating in the game and was named the game’s first star. The next night, Johnson assisted on a power play goal in the second period that tied the game at 2-2 as UND went on to a 6-2 victory. He completed the weekend with a +2 rating while earning NCHC Rookie of the Week for the second time this season.

GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK

Zane Gothberg, North Dakota

Sophomore Goaltender

Thief River Falls, Minn.

Gothberg continued his strong play in net of late, backstopping North Dakota to a sweep at Minnesota Duluth. He played all 120 minutes in net, while allowing just two goals in the series with a .970 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against average. In Friday’s 3-0 win, the Boston Bruins prospect stopped all 33 shots that came his way in his second start back from injury to pitch his first career shutout, while he was named the game’s second star. On Saturday, Gothberg totaled 31 saves on 33 shots against in a 6-2 victory, while stopping all 23 shots over the final 40 minutes, as he is now unbeaten in his last 12 starts. He also helped UND go 9-for-9 on the penalty kill against the Bulldogs, including 5-for-5 on Saturday. Gothberg totaled 64 saves in the wins while claiming NCHC Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season.

@UNDSID have to think that Gothberg should be @TheNCHC defensive player of the week
— Eric J. Burton THW (@goon48) February 23, 2014

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Another Circle of Sticks and More Inner Geek (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND vs UND: Series preview (hockeywilderness.com)
• NCHC Hockey: Breaking Down the Numbers Half Way Point (thehockeywriters.com)

UND 10th in the USCHO Poll

After sweeping the UMD Bulldogs, UND moved up to 10th place in this week's USCHO Pol. I am surprised that DU, who was swept by C.C. stayed in the top 20 this week.

NHL & College Hockey: Monday Links

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun interview executive director of the NHL Players' Association. There’s some interesting things in this interview that are worth looking at. (Click to read)

LeBrun: All 700-plus NHL players are not here in the Olympics. What's always intrigued me is the idea of how rank-and-file players who never get to play in the Olympics really feel about shutting down the game for the Olympics and whether their input is heeded.

Fehr: We do, we do [ask them]. It's no secret, there are three things that go on: There are players who play; there are players who, even if they're not playing, hope that in the future they will, or players who did in the past and think it's a good opportunity for current ones to have. The second thing is, guys like the time off; they like to see their families; they like to do that. And the third thing is, there's at least the opportunity for some nagging injuries to heal. That's not so bad. But to answer your question more directly, as far as the players' association is concerned, this decision will be made by all 720 to 750 players -- it's not made by a small group.

Apparently, David Backes and T.J. Oshie have adopted some stray dogs from Russia.

More on the Niklas Bäckström doping case... ESPN: Backstrom victim of testing debacle

Scott Burnside, ESPN.COM – He's an innocent victim of circumstances," added Dr. Mark Aubry, the IIHF's chief medical officer. "There is no doping in this instance."

Well, technically it is doping, though, isn't it? The acceptable level for the substance pseudoephedrine in an athlete's body for in-competition testing is 150 micrograms per milliliter, and officials said Sunday that Backstrom's level was around 190. But there is a precedent for players being allowed a test again if that threshold is breached

Check out this gamer from the new beat writer for the UMD Bulldogs Rick Weegman. (click to view)

The trophy, awarded to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference regular-season champion, is making a tour of all the conference home sites.

After North Dakota’s 6-2 victory over Minnesota Duluth tonight, it’s undoubtedly the last time that the trophy will show up in Duluth this season.

It may find an out-of-season home in Grand Forks, N.D., however.

According to Michael Russo, Wild winger Jason Zucker will miss the upcoming road trip to Edmonton and Vancouver.

Next time you're drinking a Tim Horton's coffee, think of this article by Andrew Forbes from the Hockey Writers: A Common Ground: Where Hockey Meets Coffee

Sweden's Niklas Bäckström Banned from the Gold Medal Game for Using Banned substance

English: #19 Nicklas Backstrom (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This has to be one of the most asinine things that I have ever seen. Nicklas Backstrom of Sweden was banned from the gold medal game against the Canadians for failing a drug test. Must have been performance enhancing right? Nope! According to Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy, the banned substance in question was Zyrtec-D. In my humble opinion, that has to be one of the most moronic things I have ever seen. It makes no sense what-so-ever. How is Zyrtec-D a PED? Why is this banned?

New York Times --- A Swedish Olympic Committee spokesman told The Associated Press that Backstrom, 26, had tested positive for a substance found in an allergy medication he has taken for seven years. Backstrom, a top-line center, had four assists over Sweden’s first five games.

The N.H.L. and the Capitals indicated in statements that Backstrom’s doping violation would not affect his status in the N.H.L. because the substance he tested positive for is not considered a banned substance by the league. Athletes competing in the Olympics are subject to tougher antidoping rules than those of the major professional leagues like the N.H.L.

The league’s deputy commissioner, Bill Daly, said, “We do not anticipate there being any consequences relative to Nicklas’s eligibility to participate in games for the Washington Capitals.”

Backstrom’s is the sixth known doping offense of the Sochi Games. The other athletes who failed drug tests were the cross-country skiers Johannes Duerr of Austria and Marina Lisogor of Ukraine; the men’s hockey player Vitalijs Pavlovs of Latvia; the biathlete Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle of Germany, who as a cross-country skier won two gold medals and three silver medals at previous Olympics; and the bobsledder William Frullani of Italy.

Did the IOC expect him to suffer and not have him take his allergy medicine? Being a person that suffers from seasonal allergies, I would be miserable if I couldn't take my over-counter medication for my allergies. This is a rule that has to be looked at and then nuked.

UND Hockey: Another Circle of Sticks and More Inner Geek

With the sweep against Minnesota Duluth, UND now has five series sweeps for the 2013-14 season. Last year, UND had three series sweeps (Holy Cross, Michigan Tech and Nebraska-Omaha).

That’s definitely an improvement. UND (18-9-3, 13-7-0 NCHC) is tied for first place in the NCHC with Saint Cloud State University. Breaking down UND’s record, they’re 11-5-1 at home and 7-4-2 on the road. With the win last night, UND clinches home ice for the NCHC playoffs. That’s the 12th season in a row that UND has qualified for home ice for the playoffs.

UND is smoking hot right now, they’re currently on a 14-2-1 (.853) run. It all started on November 29, 2013. UND had just lost 5-2 to St. Lawrence University, and owned a subpar 4-7-2 record. It was gloom and doom in the UND Nation.  After a closed door players meeting, UND would win 3-2 on Saturday night and start the current hot streak. After the Saturday night's 3-2 win against SLU, alternate captain Stephane Pattyn explained.

“Yesterday was kind of just an open floor,” Pattyn said. “Everyone talked, and gave their thoughts about what we needed to do. We had some great conversations. We definitely grew up as a team last night, and I think today’s (win) helped, too.”

Since November 30, 2013, UND has been a very good hockey team. Pattyn was right; they’ve grown up as a hockey team. During the current run, UND has scored 61 goals (3.67 GPG), and only given up 35 goals against (2.07 GA). UND has a goal differential of +26 during the hot streak. UND’s last four games have been better. The past two weekends UND has scored an eye popping 21 goals (5.25 GPG) and given up a stingy 6 goals against (1.50 GA). That’s a goal differential of +15. Talk about playing your best hockey at the end of the season.

Who’s Hot for UND

Sophomore forward Rocco Grimaldi has scored (2g-5a—7pts) his last three games.

Junior forward Michael Parks is smoking hot, and has scored (7g-10a—17pts) in the last 14 games.

Since his return from injury, junior forward Mark MacMillan has scored (5g-8a—13pts).

Senior defenseman Dillon Simpson (7g-13a—20pts) has scored 14 of his 20 points since November 30, 2013.

Sophomore defenseman Jordan Schmaltz has scored at least a point in seven of the last nine games (2g-6a—8pts).

Sophomore goalie Zane Gothberg is having a great second half. How hot is Gothberg? He’s unbeaten (10-0-1) in his last 11 games. He also owns a 1.66 GAA and a .934 save percentage. Yeah, that’s pretty good.

Related articles

• UND Hockey: Another Circle of Sticks and More Inner Geek (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND Hockey: Discovering your "Inner Geek" (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• UND Pounds Miami (insidehockey.com)
• UND vs UND: Series preview (hockeywilderness.com)
• UND Takes Bite OUt of Bulldogs (insidehockey.com)
• North Dakota Slips Past St. Lawrence (insidehockey.com)
• UND Hockey: Dynamic Duo Bright Spot for UND (thehockeywriters.com)
• UND Hockey: The Weekend in Review (thehockeywriters.com)

Traditional Circle of Sticks X5

I guess @UNDMHockey decided to mess stuff up and leave… #5brooms pic.twitter.com/DxUKsCGR6Q
— Jackie (@JDeMolee) February 23, 2014

That's five series sweep for the season, two series sweeps in a row. UND only had three series sweeps last season (Holy Cross, Michigan Tech and Nebraska-Omaha). Four regular season games left.

UND vs. UMD Game Two

Champ, UMD mascot. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

UND Forward lines

9 Drake Caggiula–16 Mark MacMillan–15 Michael Parks (A)
28 Stephane Pattyn (A)–19 Rocco Grimaldi–27 Luke Johnson
21 Brendan O’Donnell–13 Connor Gaarder–11 Derek Rodwell
25 Mitch MacMillan–29 Bryn Chyzyk–17 Colten St. Clair

North Dakota Defense Pairings

5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue
18 Dillon Simpson ©–24 Jordan Schmaltz
4 Keaton Thompson–2 Troy Stecher

UND Goalies

31 Zane Gothberg
33 Clarke Saunders

Out: 7-Wade Murphy (Fr., F), 20-Gage Ausmus (Fr., D), 22-Andrew Panzarella (Jr., D), 26-Coltyn Sanderson (So., F), 30-Matt Hrynkiw (Fr., G)

Minnesota Duluth’s lines

11 Austin Farley–21 Caleb Herbert–25 Justin Crandall

14 Alex Iafallo–17 Dominic Toninato–26 Adam Krause

8 Kyle Osterberg–13 Tony Cameranesi–19 Max Tardy

23 Austyn Young – 27 Cal Decowsk–28 Sammy Spurell

Minnesota Duluth Defense Pairings

4 Carson Soucy–7 Andy Welinski
6 Derik Johnson–15 Willie Raskob
16 Tim Smith–3 Dan Molenaar

Minnesota Duluth Goalies

36 Matt McNeely

1 Aaron Crandall

30 Alex Fons

TV tonight: Midco Sports Network, My9 (Duluth) || Webcast: http://t.co/Adhs52BWB0
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDMHockey) February 22, 2014

USA Hockey: Patrick Kane misses twice on the Penalty Shot (GIFS)

s/t NESN Coming into the Bronze Medal game against Finland, Chicago's Patrick Kane was 1-for-11 in the shootout this year. According to the NBCSN broadcast, the only goal that he had was against Tukka Rask. Now he's 1-for-3 against Rask.

Olympic Hockey: Miracle on Ice (Vine)

34 years ago USA won the gold medal in Lake Placid, New York. Where were you?

UND Hockey: Discovering your “Inner Geek”

Since starting the season 4-7-2, the UND hockey has been on a roll going 13-2-1 (.843%). During the streak, UND has scored 55 goals (3.44) and given up 33 goals against (2.06), that’s a goal differential of +22.

Last night Brad Schlossman tweeted: Best Records since November 30, 2014, B.C. (17-0-1), UND (13-2-1), Union (15-3-2), Minnesota (11-2-4), Wisconsin (13-5-1).

Who’s hot for UND: Rocco Grimaldi (2g-4a—6pts) last two games. In the last 11 games Mike Parks has scored (6g-8a—14pts). During the same time, Mark MacMillan has scored (5g-8a—13pts). Junior defenseman Nick Mattson (2g-3a—5pts) last four games. Freshman defenseman Keaton Thompson (3g-3a—6pts) and is leading UND in (+/-) department with 11+ in 14 games this season. Parks, Paul LaDue and Troy Stecher are second with +10.

UND balance: UND has 11 players with 10 or more points. With their next point, Stephane Pattyn (3g-6a—pts) and Stecher (1g-8a—9pts) will join the 10+ club.

Per @UNDSID: UND goalie Zane Gothberg is (10-0-1), 1.62 GAA and 933 save percentage in his last 11 starts.

(Video) UND 3 UMD 0

"It was a good road win tonight," head coach Dave Hakstol said. I have to agree, UMD is a good hockey team and they mirror the UND hockey team. With the win, UND moves into a tie with SCSU, who lost 4-3 to Miami tonight. UND is 6-2-1 when their games are available on DirecTV.

Best records since Nov. 30: 1. BC (17-0-1); 2. UND (13-2-1); 3. Union (15-3-2); 4. Minnesota (11-2-4); 5. Wisconsin (13-5-1).
— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) February 22, 2014