MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State coach Troy Jutting, whose was in the last year of his contract, reached an agreement in principle today on an extension that will keep him behind the Mavericks' bench. According to the school, a few remaining details will be finalized when Jutting meets with athletic director Kevin Buisman early next week.
Maverick fans can rest assured they have a coach at least for the time being. I know there are fans in Mankato that aren't going to be happy but in my opinion its the right thing to do. Jutting's teams have hard competative and working and fun to watch play.
Bochenski got two assist and the Bruins beat the Red Wings 6-3. Bochenski has 5 points in the last five games. Not too bad for a player that the Chicago Black Hawks found no use for. I just don't get it one bit. Since coming to Boston all Bo has done is score points. I guess the Boston Bruins got the best of that deal. I am going to get me a black Bruins jersey with a number 10 on the back, thank God Zhamanov didn't put any bad mojo in that number.
I believe that for Bochenski to be successful he had to be on one of the top lines playing with top end players. Phil Kessel is the same way, since he has been on one of the top lines and not mired on the fourth line, Phil has been pumping in points on a steady basis as well. The future for the Burins is really bright. I suppose there is a reason that Chicago is mired in the bottom half of the standings.
Goon's Final Five Predictions
Thursday Night Play in game: I believe this game will be an ugly game with little if any action. Wisconsin needs to win the tourney to get in the NCAA's I pick the Huskies over the Badgers in an ugly 1-0 game.
Friday Afternoon UND and the SCSU Swoonskies, I will take the Sioux in ot 4-3. The Sioux are hot and will continue the streak.
Minnesota rule
Golden "Chokers" Gophers against upstart MTU Huskies I am taking the Huskies in another 5-4 game.
Saturday Afternoon
Gophers finally beat the Swoonskies 4-1 and break a losing streak at the X-Cel Energy Center.
Saturday Evening
Sioux over the MTU Huskies in a Rvenge Match 4-2
I believe the MTU Huskies will make the tourney as a at Large Bid. Wisconsin is one and done. Sorry Badgers.
This kind of stuff has no room in hockey and the NHL has rightfully suspended Chris Simon for the rest of the season and into the playoffs. So that means if the Islanders make the playoffs and go a couple of rounds, Simon would be able to return next season. If the Islanders miss the playoffs Simon will miss more games next season as well.
The Sioux steal a big time recruit out of the Gophers back yard, as the Sioux get Joe Gleason from Edina. I can't wait to hear the Gopher fans say oh well Gleason wasn't on the Gopher's radar and the Gopher's are set on defense didn't want him anyway...
Clips of the Bruins and Wild game. Bochenski with the only Bruin's goal in the contest as the Wild won the game 2-1 Typical Bochenski goal in the paint picking up the trash. Bochenski followed up that game with a two point game against the Red Wings. Bocheski's numbers on the season 11 goals and 8 assist for 19 points in 28 games.
Vegas
Vacationin in Las Vegas for 4 days and hockey isn't king in the the Silver State, we are probably going to an ECHL game on Tuesday. I have needing a hockey fix becasue there has been some hockey on the tube in the sports book but it appears to be an after thought. I did manage to win actually win a three team parlay but realized I had paid $5.00 to win 9.15, incidently it's about the only money I won the whole time I have been here. When it comes to gambling a person would be more successful if you just take your money you were going to spend in a slot machine and throw it into the street, you would get the same results and your chances of winning are better. It appears that DU and C.C. are probably out of the national tourney again this season. That's the breaks for the WCHA beating up on each other all season long.
looks like we are going to be stuck with Versus for sometime to come. This is why I went and purchased NHL center ice I didn't want to be at the mercy of the local cable company now I can pick the games that I want to see.
You have got to hear this interview; it’s interesting to say the least. It's hard to win when you don't get good goaltending. Lucia on the Erik Johnson interview, " there will be no more interviews that don't relate to college hockey”. “With the Internet today you say something and it’s all over.” “No talk with personal advisors we need to focus on our team and on the moment right now.” Sunday morning we sent a message to our players.
The MTU fans (Mean Girl and Boosh) from the Michigan Tech Blog ran into some real classy Minnesoda fans this past weekend. In the day of the world wide web and the internet this stuff could come back to haunt these folks. Imagine your future employer is close to picking you for a job and they come across this stuff. It's a deal breaker. Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life son.
This video is odd, I found it on YouTube. This is from Bochenskis days as a Lincoln Star. Wouldn't you know it Brandon scored his first NHL goal against his current team the Boston Bruins. Figures it's against Andrew Raycroft.
Sacred Heart vs. Minnesota Michigan vs. Boston University
East Regional:
Niagara vs. Notre Dame Boston College vs. Miami
Northeast Regional:
Michigan State vs. New Hampshire Maine vs. North Dakota
I could see the NCAA committee doubling up a WCHA team or two to make sure they don't have another all WCHA Frozen Four. The East Regional is the weakest in my opinion and would all but assure the Eagles a trip to the Frozen Four. The West Regional isn't all that strong and I could see the Huskies making the trip.
Moy Predicts that
Teams that are in no matter what: North Dakota and up.
1st Team: F Ryan Duncan (North Dakota) 22-17-39 (1.39ppg) F Jonathan Toews (North Dakota) 8-20-29 (1.27ppg) F TJ Oshie (North Dakota) 10-16-26 (0.93ppg) D Alex Goligoski (Minnesota) 4-16-20 (0.71ppg) D Taylor Chorney (North Dakota) 5-14-19 (0.73ppg) G Bobby Goepfert (St. Cloud State) 2.19 gaa, .929 sv%
Call me a homer but this is what I think they should be. I am sure the Sioux will at best have two players on the first, second and third team.
The Sioux's quest for an 8th national title begins when the Sioux face off against the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks. This weekend's match up will be a battle. Let's just say that it will be another one of those hard nosed games where there will be some very rugged play and probably a good fight or two. These two teams will not let us down. Rest assured you can expect a parade to the penalty box, as both teams are known to take a high number of penalties, however, that is just my personnel prediction. I could be wrong, but its not likely. Last time the two teams hooked up there were two fights, one at center ice and a ton of penalty minutes.
Wheres the Goalie This weekend's series will be one of those times to strap it on tight and be ready to play some old time hockey. Jutting's team's are tough and they never seem to be intimidated. Make no mistake about it the Mavericks are not a pushover and are a tough draw for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Mavericks are a team that will fight for every inch and will give the opposition nothing. In a way I kind of admire the Maverick's style of play.
I am not sure why this is but the Mav's always seem to bring their "A" game when they play the Sioux.
Skilled players
The Mavericks have a couple of awesome and skilled players in Morin and Kalinski. Look for Kalinski because the kid has a knack for scoring short handed goals, he can also fly and will be one of the faster players on the ice this weekend. The Sioux must be aware of him when they are killing a penalty. Travis Morin is well Travis Morin, a four year senior that always seems to score at the right time. The Sioux must not let him roam free this weekend.
Predicting the outcome
The Sioux should win but they must not disrespect the Mavericks or they will be watching the Final Five on TV. They need to take care of the defensive zone and score timely goals. Gut tells me Sioux in two but this series could go three games. Get your ice packs ready.
1. Minnesota 2. St. Cloud 3. North Dakota 4. Denver 5. Colorado College 6. Michigan Tech 7. Wisconsin 8. Minnesota State 9. Minnesota-Duluth 10. Alaska-Anchorage
Goon's Pre-Season Picks Projected Final League Standing
1. Minnesota (=) 2. North Dakota (-1) 3. Denver (-1) 4. Wisconsin (-3) 5. Colorado College (=) 6. Minnesota-Duluth (-3) 6. St. Cloud (+4) 8. Minnesota State (=) 9. Michigan Tech (+3) 10. Alaska-Anchorage (=)
I picked 4/10 right not too bad for an amateur. I called Minnesota, Minnesota State and Achorage right, I tottally missed the boat on the Huskies, Badgers and Bull Dogs.
Brandon Bochenski has lit the lamp at every level he has played at. Check out Brandon's sweet goal at 2:27 into the YouTube video as Bochenski rips it past Habs goalie Halak on the short side.
The game looked like a former college hockey allstar game. Parise and Zajac were held scoreless and Bochenski and Kessel had multi point games. Any time the Devils lose it's alright with me. When the Bruins beat them it's a bonus.
Here is part of the text from a John Buccigross and Erik Johnson interview that is on the ESPN NHL web page. Honestly; I am sure none of us will be shocked if the goes to the NHL right after the Gophers season comes to a screeching halt but I do find it interesting.
Q: Will you be playing in the NHL next season?
A: Let me first start off by saying that I think it was a great choice to come to Minnesota this year. It was a great steppingstone. But next year, I really think I need to make the jump in competition in order to keep developing the way I want to. I think here at Minnesota, I could have been used more effectively in the system, so that has been frustrating. But, overall, it has been a fun time and I have really enjoyed my time here and I desperately want to win a national title. Next year will be decided after the season, though.
[Sounds like a St. Louis real estate agent is going to get a nice commission within a few months.]
Q: Have you stopped going to class?
A: Many times, I have been really close to stopping, but no, I am there pretty regularly. My classes are somewhat interesting, and it gives me something to do other than hockey. After hockey is over, it will be tough.
[Wow! Honesty! How rare. I like these nonpackaged answers. Hopefully, IMG won't get a hold of you. This not-going-to-class thing in college happens a lot in every sport. If a student-athlete knows he or she is not going to return to school the following year, they usually stop going to class. I'm not one to cast stones. If I was in the same situation, I would do the same thing. Hang out in my dorm room, go to the cafeteria and enjoy college life.]
Q: Will you fight in the NHL?
A: I certainly am not going to be a player where all I am looking for is to fight just to fight. But when it comes to fighting or standing up for a teammate or sending a message to an opposing team, then that is something I would fight for.
Here is the link Seems like fans are not happy with the Versus coverage of the NHL and are starting a petition to get the NHL back on ESPN. Sign it here
The Gophers will get the best official that the WCHA can offer, who that is I don't have a clue? The Seawolves will be called for every infraction they commmit (hookings, holding and obstructions) this will be so the league can assure it's so called percieved top draw will make the big tourney. Also, look for DU to be called for everything as well this next weekend. I bet if we look at the Penalty numbers I will be right too. Minnesota and Wisconsin will have the lion's share of the power play opportunities.
You can build a team, you can grow a program in a building like this," he said, "but to sustain an elite program, to sustain it, you definitely need upgraded facilities."
North Dakota, Miami and defending NCAA champion Wisconsin are three programs on the rise after years of mediocrity. It's no coincidence that each school recently bestowed a new shiny arena on its hockey team.
Of Course when I see something that isn't quite right I have to make sure it gets corrected. Here is my letter to this guy
Dear Steve;
While you wrote a nice article and your right ND needs a new arena to replace the dump they play in right now, North Dakota has missed the NCAA playoffs just once in the last ten years, during that time winning two NCAA titles. They haven been mediocre for at least 11 years. In fact they were on the rise about 4 years before they moved into their new arena.
The Last Time the Fighting Sioux Face Bobby Goepfert
This weekend’s series has huge implications in the final standings of the WCHA; also this weekend’s tilt could solidify a NCAA tourney berth for the Fighting Sioux, according to some of the experts the Sioux would need a huge meltdown to not make the NCAA tourney now.
Also, I found a silver lining to this weekend's series between the Fighting Sioux and the SCSU Huskies; this weekend series could be the last time the Fighting Sioux have to face all world goalie Bobby Goepfert. In my opinion Bobby Goepfert is an awesome goaltender that usually doesn’t give up a lot of weak goals. To score against him the Sioux are going to have to bring their “A” game.
In the two years against Goepfert the Fighting Sioux have had moderate to limited success against Goepfert. Against Bobby the Sioux are are 3-3-1. The most goals the Sioux have ever laid on Goepfert were five during last season’s Final Five in St Paul.
Realistically, I don’t see the Sioux getting five goals either night on Goepfert unless the D.O.T. line is allowed to roam free and that won’t happen. Score
Comparing the goalies
Here are the stats of this weekend’s probable starters.
Philippe Lamoureux, Jr GP-28 15-10-3 GAA 2.36 SV% .911
Scoreboard
Wheres the Goalie
Bobby
Score