I picked three-of-four Frozen Four teams right.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Connor Gaarder
Lets just take a quick glance at Connor Gaarder at UND.......
2011: Came on as a freshman walk on from Edina, Minnesota fighting for a roster spot.
2012: Sophomore season records first Hat Trick in NCAA career against Boston University
2014: Junior season scores the GWG against Ferris State in double OT to send UND into the Frozen Four
I'd say for a walk on, this kid has scored some pretty impressive goals, and pretty big goals at that. Not only does he score big goals, but when Connor Gaarder scores, he seems to do so in bunches.
2011: Came on as a freshman walk on from Edina, Minnesota fighting for a roster spot.
2012: Sophomore season records first Hat Trick in NCAA career against Boston University
2014: Junior season scores the GWG against Ferris State in double OT to send UND into the Frozen Four
I'd say for a walk on, this kid has scored some pretty impressive goals, and pretty big goals at that. Not only does he score big goals, but when Connor Gaarder scores, he seems to do so in bunches.
Gothberg and Gaarder lead team to Frozen Four
Like most UND hockey fans, I am still trying process what happened this past weekend. I don’t think that many saw this coming. Especially after they started the season 4-7-2. Since December 1, 2013, UND has been on a tear and gone 21-6-1 (.768). That's one of the best records in college hockey during that time span.
Before leaving the Wednesday press conference, Jayson Hajdu told me that UND would be playing in two weeks. "There will be a press conference next week." Maybe we should re-name him Carnac the Magnificent.
No one in the blogosphere really gave UND much of a chance to win the Midwest Regional. When I saw that UND was playing Wisconsin in the Midwest Regional semifinal game, I felt there was a “good chance” UND could advance to the Midwest Regional final. Ironically, there are a lot of similarities between last year’s Yale team and this year’s UND team. UND was the last team in the NCAA tournament, so was Yale. The Bulldogs beat a one-seed and a two-seed. Ditto for UND.
The winning goalie after the game...
“Growing up, you hear about North Dakota hockey and it is just tradition,” UND sophomore goalie Zane Gothberg said. “It’s something we take pride in practice or in games. A lot of it starts with the coaching staff instilling that level of competition and pride. It feels great and all of our hard work has gone for a good cause.”
On scoring the game winning goal.
“We were scrumming in the corner and it just came to a point out there,’ junior forward Connor Gaarder said. “I knew I had to get to the net. The rebound came right to me and kind of just slid it in there.”
UND 2 FSU O.T. (game winning goal video)
I have said numerous times this season that this is a good hockey team. They might have flown under the radar, but they're in the Frozen Four. So, they will finish no worse than third this season. I do think that this is one of Dave Hakstol's best job as head coach.
Think about this, since Hakstol has been the head coach at the University of North Dakota, his hockey team's qualified for the Frozen Four 6-out-10 seasons that he has been the coach at UND. That's pretty damn good. More tomorrow. #rolltribe
@Buccigross "@TheNCHC: @UNDMHockey celebrates its Midwest Regional championship! Photo courtesy @tripledekephoto pic.twitter.com/jDc5CHFCZt"
— Rachel Lewis (@tripledekephoto) March 30, 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
UND vs. FSU Lines (NCAA Midwest Regional)
North Dakota Forward Lines
9 Drake Caggiula–16
Mark MacMillan–15 Michael Parks
28 Stephane Pattyn–19 Rocco Grimaldi–27 Luke Johnson
21 Brendan O’Donnell–13 Connor Gaarder–11 Derek Rodwell
29 Bryn Chyzyk–17 Colten St. Clair–22 Andrew Panzarella
28 Stephane Pattyn–19 Rocco Grimaldi–27 Luke Johnson
21 Brendan O’Donnell–13 Connor Gaarder–11 Derek Rodwell
29 Bryn Chyzyk–17 Colten St. Clair–22 Andrew Panzarella
North Dakota Defense Pairings
18 Dillon Simpson–24
Jordan Schmaltz
5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue
4 Keaton Thompson–2 Troy Stecher
5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue
4 Keaton Thompson–2 Troy Stecher
UND Goalies
31 Zane Gothberg
33 Clarke Saunders
33 Clarke Saunders
Ferris Forward Lines
21 Justin Buzzeo–6 Kyle Schempp–16 Garrett
Thompson
18 Andy Huff–8 Cory Kane–20 Gerald Mayhew
17 Jared VanWormer–11 Kenny Babinski–9 Chad McDonald
22 Matt Robertson–19 Justin DeMartino–28 Seth Adams
18 Andy Huff–8 Cory Kane–20 Gerald Mayhew
17 Jared VanWormer–11 Kenny Babinski–9 Chad McDonald
22 Matt Robertson–19 Justin DeMartino–28 Seth Adams
Ferris Defense Pairings
2 Scott Czarnowczan–3
Travis White
23 Brandon Anselmini–10 Ryan Lowney
25 Sean O’Rourke–7 Jason Binkley
23 Brandon Anselmini–10 Ryan Lowney
25 Sean O’Rourke–7 Jason Binkley
Ferris Goalies
30 C.J. Motte
29 Charles Williams
31 Trace Pennoc
29 Charles Williams
31 Trace Pennoc
Don Cherry uninformed when it comes to college hockey
This is a really good read. I know you're going to be shocked by this news. Apparently, xenophobe Don Cherry of the Coaches Corner stepped on it again this week blasting US division I college hockey. Cherry is not a fan of an ex-college hockey player taking the ice over a player that played in the Canadian Hockey League. This article kind of piggy backs on this subject. See tweets below.
Stephen Whyno, The Canadian Press – "I think that if more Canadian families were exposed to what college can do -- as parents for your kid socially, athletically and academically ... I think more people would be doing it," said University of Denver coach Jim Montgomery, a Montreal native who went to Maine and ended up playing 122 NHL games.Here's are the tweets in question from Don Cherry. I must say that Cherry is clueless when it comes to college hockey. Also, historically, the Toronto Marlies have had a fair number of college hockey players on their roster. Two years ago, when the Marlies made a run in the playoffs they had many ex-college hockey players, making a huge contribution for the Marlies on the ice. This season, if my math is correct, the Marlies have three players with college hockey experience.
One opportunity for exposure is the NCAA tournament, which begins Friday and includes 109 Canadian players. There are 35 players from Ontario, 35 from British Columbia, 18 from Alberta and seven each from Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Many of those players are trying to follow in the footsteps of several successful Canadian NHLers who went to college, including four members of the gold-medal-winning Sochi Olympic team: Jonathan Toews (North Dakota), Martin St. Louis (Vermont), Patrick Sharp (Vermont) and Chris Kunitz (Ferris State).
Among the 945 players to see NHL action this season, 100 were Canadians who played at a U.S. college.
Naturally, many went the more traditional road, through the QMJHL, OHL or WHL. But the NCAA is slowly becoming another acceptable way to get there.
5) kid coming from college. We wanna have a look-see. Imagine how he feels. But the dumb dumb media who never played the game, coached the
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) March 28, 2014
4) expense of a kid who has been playing regularly all year. Imagine going to tell a kid he's not playing. Why? He asks. Cause we've got a
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) March 28, 2014
3) Flyers. Thought he is big and must be tough. But that wasn't the point I was making. Make no mistake about it. Eric is dropping in at the
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) March 28, 2014
2) it's ridiculous. I know Eric was a 2009 5th round draft choice. In fact I remember reading about him when he played for Philadelphia Jr
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) March 28, 2014
1) I really am amused when I see media types criticize me for saying Eric Knodel, US College guy, dropping in to take the spot of a Marlie.
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerCBC) March 28, 2014
NCAA Hockey: What does your bracket look like this morning?
What does your bracket look like this morning... I picked the Quinnipiac and Providence game wrong.
Edit: UND 5 UW 2 (Video)
Tonight, UND beat a very good Wisconsin team 5-2. Wisconsin came into tonight's game with nine seniors on their roster. UND played tonight's game with two seniors in their lineup captain Dillon Simpson and Derek Rodwell. Senior goalie Clark Saunders was the backup goalie and Mitch MacMillan was a healthy scratch. To put it in perspective, UND beat a very good veteran team. The Badgers were built to go deep into the NCAA playoffs and their season was cut short.
This past week, I read a lot of blog posts and newspaper articles, and no one gave UND much of a chance of winning this game. Big night for UND sophomore forward Rocco Grimaldi, who scored (3g-0a—3pts). According to UNDSID Jayson Hajdu, Grimaldi had played in 83 games and never scored two goals in a game. Looks like he saved his best effort for one of the most important games of his UND hockey career.
The following players also had a big night for UND, junior forwards Mike Parks (1g-1a—2pts), Mark MacMillan (1g-2a—3pts). UND will play Ferris State tomorrow night for a chance to go to the Frozen Four.
Friday, March 28, 2014
UND vs. UW Lines (NCAA Midwest Regional Semi Finals)
UND Forward lines
9 Drake Caggiula–16 Mark
MacMillan–15 Michael Parks (A)
28 Stephane Pattyn(A) –19 Rocco
Grimaldi–27 Luke Johnson21 Brendan O’Donnell –13 Connor
Gaarder–11 Derek Rodwell
29 Bryn Chyzyk–17 Colten St. Clair –
22 Andrew Panzarella
North Dakota Defense Pairings
5 Nick Mattson–6 Paul LaDue
18 Dillon Simpson ©–24 Jordan Schmaltz
4 Keaton Thompson–2 Troy Stecher
18 Dillon Simpson ©–24 Jordan Schmaltz
4 Keaton Thompson–2 Troy Stecher
UND Goalies
31 Zane Gothberg
33 Clarke Saunders
33 Clarke Saunders
Out: 7-Wade Murphy (Fr., F), 20-Gage
Ausmus (Fr., D), 25 Mitch MacMillan (Sr F), 26-Coltyn Sanderson (So., F),
30-Matt Hrynkiw (Fr., G)
Wisconsin Badgers Forward Lines
17 Nic Kerdiles – 9 Mark Zengerle – 7 Tyler Barnes
15 Morgan Zulinick – 14 Jefferson Dahl – 25 Michael Mersch
21 Grant Besse – 16 Joseph LaBate – 18 Sean Little
26 Brad Navin – 12 Keegan Meuer – 22 Jed Soleway
Wisconsin
Badgers Defense Pairings
19 Jake McCabe – 24 Joe Faust
28 Kevin Schulze – 27 Frankie Simonelli
20 Eddie Wittchow – 5 Chase Drake
Badger
Goalies
33 Joel Rumple
30 Landon Peterson
General Pattyn 'Play Sioux Hockey'
@GeneralPattyn28 your intuition and spirit are correct...SIOUX hockey. https://t.co/c1d42NPCID
— Katie O'Keefe-Hale (@KOKeefeHale) March 28, 2014
Got to love the General. The guys solid and will probably be your team captain next season.
NCAA Hockey: Jonathan Turk knees Shane Gostisbehere (Video)
Vermont’s Jonathan Turk was given a two minute minor penalty for Charging. To me, this looks like Turk hit the Union defenseman Shayne Gotisbehere with a knee on the back of the knee hit. Union wasn’t happy with the hit. Gotisbehere did return to play in the second period.
UND Hockey: A few Things on game day
First meeting: UND beat Wisconsin 5-2 during the 1982 NCAA Championship game. Second meeting: UND beat Wisconsin 3-2 in overtime in the 2008 Midwest Regional Championship game. Andrew Kozek scored the game winning goal at the 1:47 mark of the first overtime to give UND the regional Championship.
All-time: The Badgers have an
86-65-12 record against UND. UND is 5-3-2 in the last 10 games against the
Badgers.
Here’s the video clip of the last
time UND played against Wisconsin in the
NCAA playoffs.
Breaking
down the numbers
As most of you know, numbers mean nothing this time of year.
You can throw records out the window. All of the teams that are in the NCAA
tournament have a chance of winning. We found that out last season when Yale
made their run through the NCAA playoffs. Yale was the last at-large bid to
make the NCAA tournament. We also saw that when fourth seeded RIT knocked off
number one seeded Denver 2-1 in the 2010 East regional.
North Dakota (23-13-3) vs. Wisconsin
(24-10-2)
UND didn’t play against Wisconsin this season. The two teams
will resume the rivalry next season in Madison.
Common
opponents (3)
Wisconsin split with the Miami RedHawks (0-2 L, 3-2W)
UND was 3-2 against the Miami
RedHawks (4-2 W, 2-6 L, 3-2 W, 9-2 W, and 0-3 L)
Wisconsin swept the Colorado College Tigers (4-1 W, 4-3 W O.T.)
UND was 4-1-0 against the Colorado College Tigers (5-3 W, 3-2 W, 4-2 W, 2-3 L O.T. and 4-3 W)
Wisconsin was 2-0 against Northern Michigan (5-2 W, 2-1 W)
UND was 2-0 against Northern Michigan (3-2 W, 3-1 W)
Wisconsin swept the Colorado College Tigers (4-1 W, 4-3 W O.T.)
UND was 4-1-0 against the Colorado College Tigers (5-3 W, 3-2 W, 4-2 W, 2-3 L O.T. and 4-3 W)
Wisconsin was 2-0 against Northern Michigan (5-2 W, 2-1 W)
UND was 2-0 against Northern Michigan (3-2 W, 3-1 W)
Breaking down
the Records
Wisconsin was 17-2-1 at home and
5-8-1 on the road. Neutral site 2-0.
North Dakota was 14-7-1 at home and 8-5-2 on the road. Neutral site 1-1.
North Dakota was 14-7-1 at home and 8-5-2 on the road. Neutral site 1-1.
Badgers record when…
14-1-1 when they lead after one
period
2-6-1 when they trail after one period
8-3-1 when tied after one period
2-6-1 when they trail after one period
8-3-1 when tied after one period
18-0-1 when leading after two periods
2-8-1 when trailing after two
periods
North Dakota’s record when…
13-1-1 when they lead after one
period
5-9-0 when they trail after one period
5-9-0 when they trail after one period
5-3-2 when tied after one period
19-1-0 when leading after two
periods
1-10-1 when trailing after two periods
Marcel Goc's ankle injury
Marcel Goc's ankle isn't supposed to bend like that. Ouch! Goc was helped off of the ice. To quote @ChrisWasselTHW the @InjuryNinja never sleeps.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
NHL Players Safety, 'No Hearing for Nino Neiderreiter for his check on Alex Burrows
(1 of 5) Niederreiter makes full body contact. While there is contact to head, refer to rule 48 points (i) & (ii).. pic.twitter.com/ta3lqfGDgi
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 27, 2014
I told the Canucks fans that were chirping me on twitter last night that his hit was not a suspendable hit. I was told to re-read Rule 48. Yet, I was right… I wonder where those Vancouver Canucks fans are today?
@goon48 go watch the replay again and take off your team coloured glasses
— Scotia (@Scottkanold) March 27, 2014
Minnesota Wild forward Nino Niederreiter will not have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player safety for his check on Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows. Nor should he.
(2 of 5) (i) In spite of some head contact, NN hits squarely thru the body. He does not "pick" the head.. pic.twitter.com/024CC92yyS
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 27, 2014
(3 of 5) ..as a result of poor timing, poor angle of approach, or unnecessary extension upward or outward.. pic.twitter.com/YBDcArYVX6
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 27, 2014
(4 of 5) (ii) We believe that some head contact on this otherwise full bodycheck was unavoidable. pic.twitter.com/AenUwn3Ve4
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 27, 2014
(5 of 5) The reverse angle shows this most clearly. pic.twitter.com/ASF9sqUBYY
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 27, 2014
Updated Vegas Odds for Division I hockey tournament
SBN College Hockey has the updated odds for the NCAA Division I Hockey Tournament. Five Dimes is supplying the odds.
Tough Road Trip Ahead for Minnesota
After last night's head shaker, the Minnesota Wild now find themselves leaving home on what could be their toughest road trip of the season. On this trip, the team will make stops in St. Louis, Phoenix, LA, and their last stop is at the Madhouse on Madison against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Tonight two huge points are on the line as the green and white invade Scottrade Center in St. Louis to play the first place Blues. In the two teams last meeting at Xcel, Minnesota would rally for one point as they would fall in the shootout. However, many positives would come from this game. One, this proved that the Wild are capable of skating with the top dogs in the NHL. Two, they are able to overcome adversity coming from behind, tying the game in the third, and sending it to overtime and eventually the shootout.
Tonight's game may be a little different though. Minnesota, who just played last night, is coming into St. Louis after a 5-2 loss against the Vancouver Canucks. Yes they would throw 31 shots on goal, but had major struggles to capitalize on premium scoring chances, and had a few costly turnovers. I would expect Ilya Bryzgalov to get the call in St. Louis tonight as the Wild look to get the much needed two points and remain the top wild card team.
After tonight, Minnesota travels to face a Phoenix team who sits just three points behind the Wild for the top wild card spot. This is probably the biggest game of the season for Minnesota, and a must win in regulation. The Coyotes are a team that not many talk about, so there is no pressure on them making their season a lot less stressful on this team.
From the desert the Wild will travel to Hollywood as they face-off against the LA Kings at Staples Center. Minnesota really has not done too well in LA in recent history, but need to change history in order to keep their playoff push strong. LA is also the new home to the first ever Minnesota Wild draft pick Marian Gaborik. Although Gabby would have many injury problems towards the end of his time in Minnesota, New York, and Columbus, he is always a threat to score when he is on the ice and makes this LA offense that much more lethal. The Minnesota defense is going to have to be at the top of their game or LA will blow this one wide open.
Finally, from LA Minnesota travels to the Windy City to play the Chicago Blackhawks. These two teams have had a lot of history in the last two seasons, including last year's playoffs, and look to have another tight battle on the ice. Minnesota has found some success playing in Chicago this season and lets hope they can continue to have it.
The road doesn't get much easier as the season draws to a close for Minnesota, but this tough end of season schedule might be just what this team needs to prime themselves for the playoffs. It is looking like right now the Wild will be playing the winner of the Pacific Division, provided no major changes in the standings between now and the second week in April.
Tonight two huge points are on the line as the green and white invade Scottrade Center in St. Louis to play the first place Blues. In the two teams last meeting at Xcel, Minnesota would rally for one point as they would fall in the shootout. However, many positives would come from this game. One, this proved that the Wild are capable of skating with the top dogs in the NHL. Two, they are able to overcome adversity coming from behind, tying the game in the third, and sending it to overtime and eventually the shootout.
Tonight's game may be a little different though. Minnesota, who just played last night, is coming into St. Louis after a 5-2 loss against the Vancouver Canucks. Yes they would throw 31 shots on goal, but had major struggles to capitalize on premium scoring chances, and had a few costly turnovers. I would expect Ilya Bryzgalov to get the call in St. Louis tonight as the Wild look to get the much needed two points and remain the top wild card team.
After tonight, Minnesota travels to face a Phoenix team who sits just three points behind the Wild for the top wild card spot. This is probably the biggest game of the season for Minnesota, and a must win in regulation. The Coyotes are a team that not many talk about, so there is no pressure on them making their season a lot less stressful on this team.
From the desert the Wild will travel to Hollywood as they face-off against the LA Kings at Staples Center. Minnesota really has not done too well in LA in recent history, but need to change history in order to keep their playoff push strong. LA is also the new home to the first ever Minnesota Wild draft pick Marian Gaborik. Although Gabby would have many injury problems towards the end of his time in Minnesota, New York, and Columbus, he is always a threat to score when he is on the ice and makes this LA offense that much more lethal. The Minnesota defense is going to have to be at the top of their game or LA will blow this one wide open.
Finally, from LA Minnesota travels to the Windy City to play the Chicago Blackhawks. These two teams have had a lot of history in the last two seasons, including last year's playoffs, and look to have another tight battle on the ice. Minnesota has found some success playing in Chicago this season and lets hope they can continue to have it.
The road doesn't get much easier as the season draws to a close for Minnesota, but this tough end of season schedule might be just what this team needs to prime themselves for the playoffs. It is looking like right now the Wild will be playing the winner of the Pacific Division, provided no major changes in the standings between now and the second week in April.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Betting Lines and Odds for the NCAA Hockey Tournament
The University of North Dakota Hockey team comes in at -125 and the Wisconsin Badgers are -115.
Who's to Blame for Home Loss?
Not much can be said about tonight's game for the Wild, except, well I can't think of anything to say. This game left me with no words and scratching my head wondering what they need to do to find the net.
The Minnesota Wild would control much of the play in tonight's home game against Vancouver, but would find themselves surrendering the first goal to David Booth. However, just over a minute later, Charlie Coyle would find the twine when he would flat out snipe Eddie Lack. The teams would go into the locker room tied at one, but Minnesota probably should have been up by two goals for how much they controlled play. They just were not getting the bounces they needed.
As the game went on, things were still being controlled by the Wild, but the flood gates would open up in the third for the Canucks. A couple of power plays and bad turnovers later, the game was quickly 5-1 in favor of the bad guys. Nino Niederreiter would put one late goal in for the Wild, but that's exactly what it would be, too little too late.
Outshooting the Canucks 31-19 tonight, the Minnesota Wild and fans like me are left scratching their heads wondering what they could have done different tonight. More often then not, they did not get any second or third quality chances in the offensive zone, even though they were controlling most of the play.
Another thing that would cost them is too many costly turnovers. The Canucks are a team you can't make these kind of mistakes against or they will find the back of the net and tonight was a good example of this.
Goalie Darcy Kuemper also looked a bit off tonight, however, each and every Vancouver goal was scored from a high percentage scoring area, or off of a deflection. Kuemper can't be completely to blame for this loss. That being said, five goals against on 19 shots isn't that good at any level of play, and improvement is needed.
The gist of it all is that our key guys need to contribute more consistently in key games like tonight, and on the upcoming road trip. With guys like Parise, Pominville, and Moulson not finding the net as much as they should, it leaves playmakers like Koivu and Granlund sitting in the dust getting ridiculed because they aren't producing points either.
It's time for the veteran leaders to take charge and lead this team into the playoffs. They can't keep missing out on key points coming down the stretch, otherwise they could be sitting on the outside, much like the Toronto Maple Leafs are right now in the east.
The Minnesota Wild would control much of the play in tonight's home game against Vancouver, but would find themselves surrendering the first goal to David Booth. However, just over a minute later, Charlie Coyle would find the twine when he would flat out snipe Eddie Lack. The teams would go into the locker room tied at one, but Minnesota probably should have been up by two goals for how much they controlled play. They just were not getting the bounces they needed.
As the game went on, things were still being controlled by the Wild, but the flood gates would open up in the third for the Canucks. A couple of power plays and bad turnovers later, the game was quickly 5-1 in favor of the bad guys. Nino Niederreiter would put one late goal in for the Wild, but that's exactly what it would be, too little too late.
Outshooting the Canucks 31-19 tonight, the Minnesota Wild and fans like me are left scratching their heads wondering what they could have done different tonight. More often then not, they did not get any second or third quality chances in the offensive zone, even though they were controlling most of the play.
Another thing that would cost them is too many costly turnovers. The Canucks are a team you can't make these kind of mistakes against or they will find the back of the net and tonight was a good example of this.
Goalie Darcy Kuemper also looked a bit off tonight, however, each and every Vancouver goal was scored from a high percentage scoring area, or off of a deflection. Kuemper can't be completely to blame for this loss. That being said, five goals against on 19 shots isn't that good at any level of play, and improvement is needed.
The gist of it all is that our key guys need to contribute more consistently in key games like tonight, and on the upcoming road trip. With guys like Parise, Pominville, and Moulson not finding the net as much as they should, it leaves playmakers like Koivu and Granlund sitting in the dust getting ridiculed because they aren't producing points either.
It's time for the veteran leaders to take charge and lead this team into the playoffs. They can't keep missing out on key points coming down the stretch, otherwise they could be sitting on the outside, much like the Toronto Maple Leafs are right now in the east.
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