Kevin G

We've had an NCHC-centric thread in the past. I even stole the thread title from a previous year's thread. It seems like a good time to start it with conference play starting for UND this weekend.

I couldn't remember last season's series against UMD in Duluth. That's because UND didn't play in Duluth last season. We only played a home series against UMD. It was right after we got swept by Western Michigan at home. We split with UMD that weekend. Beating the Bulldogs is always tough. In recent history, it seems like no one has protected third-period leads better than Duluth.

The BU announcers were suggesting that Blake’s game-winner on Saturday was goalie interference.

Last season's PP%: 27.3% (second in the nation) This season's PP% so far: 15.2% (45th in the nation) Largely the same group of forwards. None of the same defensemen quarterbacking the PP. Perhaps integrating new defensemen into the PP scheme takes some time. Expecting we'll see improvement as the season progresses.

And Livanavage is "Luh-VAN-oh-vitch". Seriously, all weekend, Peter Griffin could not be bothered to check the pronunciation guide.

A huge chunk of the non-conference season is in the books. Here's how the conferences have done so far, ranked by winning percentage: Big 10--.700 (30-12-3) Hockey East--.685 (31-14-1) NCHC--.653 (28-13-8) ECAC--.415 (16-23-2) CCHA--.347 (13-28-8) Atlantic Hockey--.300 (12-28-0) There's definitely a top-three/bottom-three situation. The top three conferences are getting wins from everyone: Neither the Big 10 nor the NCHC currently has a team with an overall record of below .500 (Duluth and Ohio State are both 3-3-3), and Hockey East's "worst" teams are only a game under .500.

In his podcast, Schlossman mentioned Lane Hutson's incredible TOI stats. He's smallish but boy can he play hockey.

I’m just curious…for those in attendance, do they serve beer in the arena? If so, do they serve Sam Adams?

How about we get a forecheck going in the third period.

We’ll be alright if we stop committing the unforced errors.

Yep. Too fancy.

Love to see a replay, but they’re not doing many replays.

What?

Livanavage = “Li-VAN-o-vitch”

I logged on specifically to mention this. You beat me to it.

BU was the preseason #1 ranked team in the nation. Celebrini, possibly the #1 overall pick in next year's NHL draft, leads the nation in goals. Lane Hutson might be the best defenseman in the nation. Thirteen drafted players on the roster (plus Celebrini). Let's play.

UND at BU, 6pm CT on Friday and Saturday TV info: Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+. The "Watch" link on UND's Men's Hockey Schedule page is linked to ESPN+ by the way.

Thanks for the info. Must have been quite a slash.

Strathmann not in Youngstown's lineup on Saturday night against Sioux Falls. Anyone know why?

Harrison Blaisdell with a goal for UNH tonight. Somebody break up the Wildcats!

It was good to see the PP show some life. The PK is quite good. I also thought Strinden played really well.

Ugh

Berg is really important for this team.

Since Zmolek and Pehrson are both out of the lineup, I'm surprised the emergency defenseman (Montgomery) isn't in the lineup.

At the moment it seems like anyone can beat anyone.